The Japanese government has worked out a plan that will break through the longtime three arms export control principles and strengthen cooperation with the United States in weapons development and production, the Asahi Shimbun reported Friday.

Under the plan, Japan will allow weapons development and production with the United States or such activities in US-led multinational projects, the major daily said.

Japan can also export equipment under the circumstance of international operations, including fighting terrorism or pirates. The items include helmets, body armors, vehicles, used warships.

Announced in 1967 by then Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, the three principles stipulate that Japan shall "not export weapons to communist states, to states to which arms exports are prohibited by UN resolution, or to states involved in armed conflicts."

Further, former Prime Minister Takeo Miki announced in 1976 that Japan would not export weapons to any country.

The plan was drawn up in consideration that Japan and the United States are currently teamed up in developing ballistic missile defense systems, and the private sectors are urging for easing controls to maintain competitiveness technically in the world. In addition, there are concerns that it is difficult for Japan to independently develop necessary high-tech arms, the paper said.

The initiative could be included in a new defense program outline which is expected to be inked by the cabinet later this month or early December, it said, adding that the opposition parties are sure to bring up argument against it.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2004)