Since its defeat in World War II, Japan has always adhered to the "Three Principles of Export" and banned the export of equipment to any country. However, in recent years, Japan has continued to relax restrictions on exports, and has successively formulated the "Three Principles for the Transfer of Defense Equipment" and the "Guidelines for the Transfer and Use of Defense Equipment", which have opened the door to the export of "dangerous equipment" to other countries. This move has aroused the attention and concern of China, the United States, Russia and other countries. This article will start with several ** equipment exported by Japan, ** the motivation behind it, and the impact on China, the United States, Russia and other countries.
1. Japan broke through the export ban, causing danger signals.
The situation in the world is changing.
More precisely, the situation in the world is deteriorating.
In the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, and innocent people are living in the Gaza Strip every day**. In Europe, aid from the United States and Western countries has been significantly reduced, and Ukraine's ** plan has failed.
Against this background, Japan has made a dangerous decision - to export the first equipment to the Philippines for the first time, and plans to export Mitsubishi-made Patriot anti-aircraft missiles to the United States.
This is the first time since World War II that Japan has broken through the export ban and exported equipment to foreign countries. This move marked that Japan had officially shaken off its post-war military constraints and moved toward becoming a "normal country."
Chinese experts point out that this is a red flag.
On the one hand, the normalization of exports means that Japan can export to any country at will, increasing the possibility of regional conflicts.
On the other hand, exports are also a diplomatic tool, and Japan can establish cooperative relations with other countries through arms sales and increase its influence in regional affairs.
On the other hand, exports are also a driving force for the development of the military industry, which Japan can use to improve its military technology and strength, and enhance its self-defense capabilities.
2. Japan co-opted the Philippines to spy on Chinese territory.
Japan's exports of ** equipment are mainly related to conflicts in two regions - Russia, Ukraine and China and the Philippines.
According to reports, Japan is considering adding the option of "assistance to the invaded country" to the "Guidelines for the Transfer and Use of Defense Equipment", which means that Japan can provide ** equipment to Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to support it against Russia.
Some analysts believe that this is a kind of retaliation by Japan against Russia. Because not so long ago, Russia emphasized the position of the "four northern islands" (called the "South Kuril Islands" in Russian), claiming that there are no territorial disputes with Japan and other countries.
This is undoubtedly a hint that the "four northern islands" belong to Russia.
This statement aroused Japan's dissatisfaction, and immediately afterwards, Japan put forward the idea of "aiding the invaded country."
In addition to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Japan has also exported the J FPS-3ME air alert radar system to the Philippines. This is an advanced radar system that can simultaneously track several targets with a detection range of up to 555 km.
It is understood that the Philippines is only 300 meters away from Scarborough Shoal, 500 kilometers away from Mischief Reef, about 500 kilometers away from Thitu Island in a straight line, and less than 200 kilometers away from Ren'ai Reef.
It is conceivable that with the J FPS-3ME radar system, the Philippine Navy can directly monitor the above Chinese islands.
This is undoubtedly a provocation and threat to China.
Japan's aim is obviously to win over the Philippines and strengthen its control over the South China Sea, the Luzon Strait, and other waters, so as to contain China's maritime activities.
3. Japan unites with the United States to counter the rise of China.
Compared with the radar system, Japan values another "deadly" export - the Patriot anti-aircraft missile.
It is reported that after Japan completes the first export of finished equipment, the next step is to export Mitsubishi-made Patriot anti-aircraft missiles to the United States.
This is the first time that Japan has exported ** finished equipment to the United States, not just parts. This move was made under the guidance of the "Three Principles for the Transfer of Defense Equipment."
The reason why Japan did this is mainly because the United States, after strongly supporting Israel and Ukraine, is running out of stocks and needs Japanese supplies.
However, in the eyes of the outside world, Japan's Patriot missiles will not have a decisive impact on the situation of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Moreover, it is impossible for Japan to sell all its missiles to the United States, so the export of Patriot missiles is more for the purpose of exporting more first-class equipment and opening up the market in the future.
Doing so will pose a huge risk to regional security.
An expert on the United States at the Institute of International Studies said in an interview that Japan's export strategy is actually an alliance with the United States to counter the rise of China. Both the United States and Japan want to enhance their influence in the Asia-Pacific region and hinder China's development through ** exports.
This is a typical Cold War mentality, which is not conducive to regional peace and stability.