Japan Scraps Lethal Weapons Export Ban

Japan's government has endorsed a significant overhaul of its defense export rules, allowing for the international sale of warships, missiles, and tanks.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration argued that the change is necessary to strengthen domestic defense capabilities and deepen cooperation with security partners.

While the move marks a departure from decades of self-imposed limits, officials emphasized that Japan remains committed to its pacifist constitution.

The policy shift has drawn criticism from youth protesters and neighboring nations who fear it could escalate regional tensions.