Japan weighs weapon exports to nations under invasion

Push comes as PM Kishida prepares to flex diplomatic muscle while hosting G-7 summit

20230309N Ukraine Challenger tanks REUTERS

Ukrainian troops pose atop a British-made Challenger 2 tank. Western nations have started sending heavy tanks to Ukraine. © Reuters

RYO NEMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan is considering exporting weapons to countries that are fighting an invasion, such as Ukraine, in a move expected to enhance Tokyo's credibility in the global security arena.

So far, Japan has only sent bulletproof vests and other nonlethal equipment to Ukraine. Under current rules, Tokyo can only transfer warplanes, armored vehicles and missiles to countries that jointly develop and produce the hardware.

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