Japan's ruling coalition has held its first meeting to discuss revising the country's three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology abroad.

One focal point is whether to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons.

Japan has strict rules on the transfer of defense equipment with an aim to maintain its postwar status as a peace-loving nation as stipulated in the Constitution.

The Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito held their first working-level meeting on the matter on Tuesday.

Former Defense Minister Onodera Itsunori, who chairs the meeting, referred to the three key defense documents, including the national security strategy, which the government worked out late last year.

But he said there is still work to do. He encouraged members to work out specific policies on points at issue.

Vice-chair Sato Shigeki of Komeito said he hopes debates will be held from the viewpoint of what Japan can do to create the most desirable national security environment in the increasingly tough security situation. He said he hopes this can be done while firmly maintaining Japan's post-war efforts as a peace-loving nation.

Members confirmed that they will discuss whether exports of lethal weapons to Ukraine should be allowed as a form of Japan's support.

Ukraine asked Japan to provide defense equipment in February 2022, after Russia's invasion began.

Japan provided bullet-proof vests, helmets and other non-lethal supplies owned by the Self-Defense Forces, as exports of lethal weapons are banned in the principles.

The members will also discuss whether to expand the current five categories of non-lethal equipment that Japan can transfer, to include categories such as for rescue and transport.

They also agreed to discuss whether to transfer equipment Japan has jointly developed with other countries to a third country.

Japan has recently agreed with Britain and Italy on a joint project to develop a next-generation fighter jet to deploy to the Air Self Defense Force around 2035.

The current principles do not define what Japan should do if the project partners hope to transfer the jet to a third country.

The ruling coalition plans to hold a hearing with experts in May to launch full-scale debates on revising the principles.