(Adnkronos) – Japan will ease decades-old arms export rules after the Tokyo government approved a review of defense systems and equipment exports. Government spokesman Minoru Kihara announced a policy change that paves the way for the sale of lethal weapons abroad. The new rules end Japan’s self-imposed ban on the sale of lethal weapons, as Tokyo seeks to enter the international arms market with the hope of strengthening national defense and stimulating economic growth.
“These decisions were made at a time when changes in the security context surrounding our country are occurring at an accelerated pace and serve to ensure Japan’s security, further contributing to peace and stability in the region and the international community,” Kihara said at a press conference. “Today, no nation is able to safeguard its own peace and security alone,” he added.
