The Japanese government has announced plans to lift a ban on lethal weapons exports, marking the latest shift away from the country’s post-war pacifist policy.
In a statement on social media on Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said “no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone,” according to a Google translation.
She added that it was essential that partner countries support each other with defense equipment “in an increasingly severe security environment.”
The policy change paves the way for the country to export warships, missiles, and other weapons.
Japan, which has been ramping up defense spending in recent years, is seeking to counter regional security threats and support partner countries during wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.
