Japan’s Stand Against Fully Autonomous Lethal Weapons: A Call for Global Regulations

Japan’s Foreign Ministry Emphasizes Human Accountability and Responsible Use of Emerging Technologies in New Policy Paper

Tokyo, Japan — In a significant policy move, the Japanese government has declared its opposition to the development of fully autonomous lethal weapons, emphasizing that such arms should never be permitted globally. This stance was articulated in a paper submitted by the Foreign Ministry to the United Nations in May, which was made public on the ministry’s website in June. The paper highlights Japan’s commitment to a “human-centric” approach and the responsible utilization of emerging technologies.

Human Accountability and International Humanitarian Laws

The Foreign Ministry’s document underscores the necessity of human involvement in the deployment of lethal weapons, stressing that humans must be held accountable under international humanitarian laws. “Human involvement is required, as it is humans who can be held accountable,” the ministry asserted. Japan’s position is rooted in the belief that there are currently no guarantees that lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) will comply with international humanitarian laws, and therefore, Japan “does not intend to develop” such weapons.

Potential Benefits and Ethical Concerns

While Japan remains firm in its stance against fully autonomous lethal weapons, the ministry’s paper does acknowledge some potential benefits of autonomous arms, such as reducing human error and addressing manpower shortages within the Japan Self-Defense Forces. These advantages are particularly relevant as the Self-Defense Forces struggle with recruitment challenges. For the first time, Tokyo has defined LAWS as systems that, once activated, can identify, select, and engage targets with lethal force without further operator intervention.

Global Concerns and the Push for Regulations

The issue of autonomous weapons has gained global attention, with concerns mounting over their use in conflicts, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and various conflicts in the Middle East. The deployment of combat drones in these regions has made the discussion around LAWS more urgent. “Artificial intelligence weapons used to be a fictitious topic, but now they have become a reality, and more people are perceiving the need to think about the issue seriously,” stated a Foreign Ministry official.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres is expected to release a report on LAWS this summer, compiling opinions from countries around the world. This report follows a resolution adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in December, which highlighted “the urgent need for the international community to address the challenges and concerns raised by autonomous weapons systems.” Japan, the United States, and 150 other nations voted in favor of the resolution, while Russia, India, Belarus, and Mali voted against it, and 11 members, including China, North Korea, and Israel, abstained.

Japan’s Call for International Rule-Making

In its official statement, Japan reiterated its opposition to the development of fully autonomous lethal weapons and called for the establishment of international rules to regulate such systems. The Foreign Ministry expressed Japan’s intention to actively and constructively participate in international efforts to clarify regulations and operational frameworks related to LAWS.

As the world grapples with the ethical and practical implications of autonomous weapons, Japan’s stance highlights the need for a coordinated and responsible approach to emerging military technologies. The upcoming report from U.N. Secretary General Guterres will be a crucial step in this ongoing global dialogue.