Japan scraps a ban on lethal weapons exports in a change of its postwar pacifist policy
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- Japan scrapped its lethal weapons export ban, allowing sales of fighter jets, missiles and destroyers.
- Sanae Takaichi's Cabinet approved the new guidelines on Tuesday, removing previous five‑area export limits.
- China condemned the policy shift, calling it a threat to regional peace.
- Australia welcomed the move, seeing opportunities for joint defense projects and procurement.
- National Security Council must approve each export to the 17 partner countries with defense agreements and monitor post‑sale management.
Why it matters: Japan's defense industry gains access to 17 partner markets, expanding its industrial base and creating jobs, while China loses a strategic edge in the region.
