Japan has scrapped long-standing restrictions on arms exports in a major break with its post-war pacifist policy that is likely to derail any potential thaw in relations with China.
The plans, given final approval by the cabinet on Tuesday, could clear the way for sales of lethal equipment that had long been banned and prompted expressions of “serious concern” from Beijing.
Japan’s Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology had previously limited exports to five non-combat…
Japan’s new arms export rules trigger Chinese warning against ‘moves towards militarism’
