Japan on Tuesday scrapped a ban on lethal weapons exports, a major change in its postwar pacifist policy as the country seeks to build up its arms industry amid worries over Chinese and North Korean aggression. The approval by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet of the new guideline clears a final set of hurdles for many arms sales, including of Japanese-developed warships, combat drones and other weapons. It has been largely welcomed by Japanese defense partners like Australia and attracted interest from Southeast Asia and Europe. U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass on X called the move a “historic step” that will help enhance the defense capabilities between the allies. China criticized the change in policy. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the global community including China will “resolutely resist Japan’s reckless moves toward a new type of militarism.”

Full report : Japan scraps a ban on lethal weapons exports in a change of its postwar pacifist policy.