Press Conference “Is Japan's Defense and Technology Trade Fueling Militaries Around the World?”

On November 29, 2023, a press conference in Tokyo addressed a critical global issue: the role of Japan and other developed nations in arms and technology transfers fueling active conflicts worldwide. The event, organized by the Network Against Japan Arms Trade (NAJAT) and the Japan International Volunteer Center, featured key speakers, including Olena Yurchenko, Senior Analyst at the Economic Security Council of Ukraine. PR Army played a pivotal role in initiating this conversation in Japan, providing research and facilitating Yurchenko’s participation.

The discussion highlighted the transformation of Japan's arms trade policy since the 2014 easing of the 1967 Arms Export Ban, which had previously restricted arms exports to conflict zones and nations under embargo. The panel also examined how intermediary countries, such as China, facilitate the flow of Western technologies to Russia, contributing to its military capabilities during the war in Ukraine. Trade data shows that in 2022, Russia imported $2.5 billion worth of semiconductors, underscoring the challenges of enforcing sanctions and regulating technology exports.

Olena Yurchenko joined the event online, providing valuable insights from Ukraine. She detailed how advanced machinery and technologies are indirectly bolstering Russia's war efforts, emphasizing the importance of stricter controls and international cooperation to prevent such transfers.PR Army's contribution included media outreach, research support, and ensuring the Ukrainian perspective was well-represented in the discussion. The event drew significant attention to Japan's evolving arms trade policies and their implications, aligning with PR Army’s mission to raise global awareness of Ukraine's struggle against aggression.

This press conference represents a significant step in fostering dialogue and accountability on an issue with global ramifications. PR Army extends its gratitude to the organizers and participants for their dedication to shedding light on these critical matters.

The initiative was implemented as a part of joint Disarm Russia project supported by Next Level Initiatives.