The Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito Party's political affairs research chairs will hold discussions with each other regarding whether to allow the export of defense equipment jointly developed with other countries to third countries. However, there is deep-rooted opinion within the Komeito Party, especially among its executives, that there is a cautious view on allowing exports, and it is unclear whether the talks will make any early progress.
The government has asked the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito Party to come to a conclusion by the end of February regarding whether to allow the export of defense equipment jointly developed with other countries to third countries, such as the next-generation fighter jet that is being developed with Britain and Italy. However, behind-the-scenes discussions have been difficult, and it has been decided that the Liberal Democratic Party's Political Affairs Research Chairman Watanabe and Komeito's Political Affairs Research Chairman Takagi will begin discussions soon.
However, Komeito Party leader Yamaguchi said, ``Allowing exports would be an important change in policy, but there has not been enough discussion,'' and Secretary-General Ishii said, ``We do not want to export more and more lethal weapons.'' There are deep-rooted cautious opinions, especially among executives, who point out that "Isn't it important to put some kind of brake on this?"
In order to gain Komeito's understanding, the government is considering adding conditions such as not exporting to countries where fighting is taking place, but discussions are progressing quickly and a conclusion is expected to be reached by the end of this month. The situation is unclear.