Japan scrapped a ban on lethal weapons exports, a major change in its post-World War-2 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 Japanese-developed warships, combat drones and other weapons.

Talking to reporters on Tuesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said, the new policy will ensure safety for Japan and further contribute to the peace and stability in the region and the international society as the security environment around our country rapidly changes. He said, the government will strategically promote defence equipment transfers to create a security environment that is desirable for Japan and to build up the industrial base that can support fighting resilience.

The change in policy has been largely welcomed by Japanese defence partners, including Australia and attracted interest from Southeast Asia and Europe. However, China criticised the decision.

Japan has long prohibited most arms exports under its post-World War II pacifist constitution. It has made recent changes because of rising global and regional tensions, but exports were limited to five areas: rescue, transport, alerts, surveillance and minesweeping.