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Japan ramping up defence is 'critical' to prevent war, Defence Minister Koizumi tells BBC
Key takeaways
- He spoke of the recent changes in Japan's defence policy, such as relaxing decades-old arms export rules.
- For the first time in about 50 years, Tokyo can now sell or transfer defence equipment and lethal weapons to the 17 countries with which it has signed formal agreements, including the US and the UK.
- Discussions are under way with the Philippines for used destroyers from Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force.
Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.
Kurumi Mori Japan correspondent , Tokyo Watch: Japan's defence minister sits down with the BBC's Tokyo correspondent Japan must "strengthen its defence capabilities", Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has told the BBC, emphasising the need to revisit the pacifist posture that has defined the country since World War Two.
He said boosting defence, "reinforcing its alliance with the United States, and expanding collaboration with like-minded countries" was part of "building multi-layered deterrence critical for ensuring that no new war breaks out in this region".
He spoke of the recent changes in Japan's defence policy, such as relaxing decades-old arms export rules.
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