Tokyo approves plan to scrap restrictions, prompting warnings that this could undermine the country’s pacifist constitution
Japan’s Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology had previously limited exports to five non-combat categories: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping.
But the changes now allow Japan to sell lethal weapons to 17 countries with which it has signed equipment and technology transfer agreements, including the United States, Australia and Britain.
Other potential buyers include countries embroiled in long-standing territorial disputes with China, such as India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
