Japan Ends Arms Export Ban

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet approved the new guidelines as Japan seeks to bolster its domestic arms industry and deepen security ties with allies like Australia and the United States.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from China, which warned against 'moves towards militarism' in the region.

Within Japan, the policy change has caused unease among a public long accustomed to constitutional pacifism.

However, the government argues that no single country can ensure its own security alone in an increasingly volatile global landscape.