Boost to Japan-U.S. alliance 

Boost to Japan-U.S. alliance

Dec 27, 2011 (Menafn - The Yomiuri Shimbun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --The government's decision to establish guidelines on the export of military equipment and technology to other nations reflects the firm resolve of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, according to analysts, and will deepen Japan's alliance with the United States.

The new guidelines are intended to relax the three existing rules on weapons exports, and were needed because the restrictions were hindering cooperation on security issues with the United States and other countries, the analysts said.

The F-35 that Japan has decided to employ as its next-generation fighter jet was developed through the cooperation of nine countries, including the United States and Britain. Japan was asked to join the development project, but Tokyo was unable to do so because of the rules on weapons exports.

Easing the rules would make it possible for Japan's defense industry to take part in similar international projects to develop and produce military equipment and technology.

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