Japan's decision to abolish its long-held ban on lethal weapons sales overseas has been welcomed by allies and condemned by regional rivals.
However, the policy change is likely to have lasting implications for the geopolitical rivalries that are destabilizing the Western Pacific. Some fear the move could push the region to the brink of armed clashes.
The government confirmed last week that Japanese companies will, from now on, be free to sell advanced military equipment to 17 countries with which it has defense agreements, reversing a policy dating back to 1967.
The administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is framing the decision as a way of ensuring the nation's own security by helping partner states.
"There are growing expectations for Japan's defense equipment," Takaichi told reporters in Tokyo. "Equipment transfers that meet the needs of like-minded nations will contribute to enhancing their defense capabilities."
