Japan's cabinet has approved the export of new fighter jets that it is developing with the UK and Italy, marking a significant departure from its pacifist policies. The country has eased its arms export rules to allow the sale of these jets to countries with which it has signed defence pacts, as long as there is no ongoing conflict. Japan has expressed concerns about the threats posed by China and North Korea and has pledged to double its military spending by 2027. Each fighter jet sale will require cabinet approval.

In December 2022, Japan joined a collaboration with the UK and Italy to develop a new fighter jet called the Tempest. These jets, expected to be deployed by 2035, will incorporate artificial intelligence and advanced sensors to assist pilots. This partnership with the UK and Italy marks Tokyo's first defence equipment development collaboration with a country other than the US. The decision to export these fighter jets comes ahead of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's upcoming visit to the US in April, where he is expected to emphasize Japan's alliance with Washington and its willingness to participate in defence partnerships.

Prime Minister Kishida has stated that allowing the export of warplanes to third countries is necessary to maintain Tokyo's credibility as a partner in future international defence projects. The government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of the nation's defences and stated that the plan to develop fighter jets with essential capabilities must be realized. However, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara clarified that Japan remains committed to its pacifist philosophy and will go through strict decision processes for exports.

Japan's pacifist stance dates back to its post-World War Two constitution, which renounces war and the use of force to settle international disputes. The country's military is officially limited to self-defence capabilities, and an arms export ban was imposed. This ban was first eased in 2014 and further relaxed in December 2023 to allow the export of lethal weapons made under foreign licenses. This change paved the way for Japan to send Patriot air defence missiles to the US. It is important to note that Japan's decision to export fighter jets represents a significant shift in its post-war pacifist ideals.

Original news source: Japan to sell fighter jets in break from pacifism (BBC)

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– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Students will work individually to write down their opinion on Japan's decision to export fighter jets. They should consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of this decision. Once they have written their opinion, they will pair up with another student and share their thoughts. They can discuss their reasons behind their opinion and try to find common ground or differences in their viewpoints.
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– Future Predictions
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– Headline Creation
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Japan's cabinet has approved the export of new fighter jets that it is ? with the UK and Italy, marking a significant departure from its pacifist policies. The country has eased its arms export rules to allow the sale of these jets to countries with which it has signed defence pacts, as long as there is no ongoing conflict. Japan has expressed concerns about the ? posed by China and North ? and has pledged to double its military ? by 2027. Each fighter jet sale will require cabinet approval. In December 2022, Japan joined a collaboration with the UK and Italy to develop a new fighter jet ? the Tempest. These jets, expected to be ? by 2035, will incorporate artificial intelligence and advanced sensors to assist pilots. This ? with the UK and Italy marks Tokyo's first ? equipment development collaboration with a country other than the US. The decision to export these fighter jets comes ahead of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's upcoming visit to the US in April, where he is expected to emphasize Japan's alliance with Washington and its willingness to participate in defence partnerships. Prime Minister Kishida has stated that allowing the export of ? to third countries is necessary to maintain Tokyo's credibility as a partner in future international defence projects. The government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of the nation's defences and stated that the plan to develop ? jets with essential capabilities must be realized. However, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara clarified that Japan remains committed to its pacifist philosophy and will go through ? decision processes for ?. Japan's pacifist stance dates back to its post-World War Two constitution, which ? war and the use of force to settle international disputes. The country's military is officially limited to self-defence capabilities, and an arms export ban was imposed. This ban was first eased in 2014 and further relaxed in ? 2023 to allow the export of lethal weapons made under foreign licenses. This change ? the way for Japan to send Patriot air defence missiles to the US. It is important to note that Japan's decision to export fighter jets represents a ? shift in its post-war pacifist ideals.

1. What is your opinion on Japan's decision to export fighter jets?
2. How would you feel if your country decided to increase its military spending?
3. Do you think it is important for countries to collaborate on defence projects? Why or why not?
4. What do you think are the main threats that Japan is concerned about when it comes to China and North Korea?
5. How do you think incorporating artificial intelligence and advanced sensors into fighter jets will impact their effectiveness?
6. Do you think it is necessary for Japan to maintain its credibility as a partner in international defence projects? Why or why not?
7. What do you think are the potential risks of exporting warplanes to third countries?
8. How do you think Japan's decision to export fighter jets will impact its relationship with the US?
9. Do you believe that countries should prioritize self-defense capabilities over offensive capabilities? Why or why not?
10. How do you think Japan's pacifist stance has shaped its identity on the global stage?
11. What do you think are the potential consequences of Japan's decision to ease its arms export rules?
12. How do you think the export of fighter jets will impact Japan's economy?
13. Do you think it is important for countries to have defence pacts with other nations? Why or why not?
14. How do you think the export of fighter jets will affect Japan's relationship with China and North Korea?
15. What do you think are the potential benefits of Japan's collaboration with the UK and Italy on developing fighter jets?

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