The Japanese government has approved a major shift in its long-standing defence policy, easing decades-old restrictions on arms exports away from the pacifist stance adopted after World War II.

The changes were endorsed by the cabinet and the National Security Council of Japan and were intended to strengthen Japan’s “security cooperation with partner countries”.

This is according to a Kyodo News report on Tuesday.

Under the revised rules, Japan would be permitted to export lethal weapons to countries with which it maintains certain defence agreements.

In exceptional circumstances, exports to countries involved in conflicts may also be allowed.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is widely regarded as a security policy hardliner, has backed the move as part of a broader effort to bolster the country’s strategic posture.

The policy shift is also seen as an attempt to expand Japan’s domestic defence industry, which has traditionally been limited to supplying the nation’s own military forces.

Growing regional tensions have contributed to the change, with North Korea and China increasingly viewed as security challenges due to their rapidly advancing military capabilities.

Japan’s national security has long relied on its alliance with the U.S.

However, uncertainty over Washington’s long-term commitments has grown during the second term of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly questioned U.S. security guarantees to allies.

(dpa/NAN)