Al Jazeera: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cabinet of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has\u00a0lifted a ban on exporting lethal weapons<\/a>, including fighter jets, in a major shift to Japan\u2019s pacifist post-World War II constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a post on X announcing the changes on Tuesday, Takaichi did not specify which weapons Japan would now sell overseas. However, Japanese newspapers said the changes would encompass fighter jets, missiles and warships, which Japan has recently agreed to build for Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith this amendment, transfers of all defence equipment will in principle become possible,\u201d Takaichi said, adding that \u201crecipients will be limited to countries that commit to use in accordance with the UN Charter\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n At least 17 countries will be eligible to buy weapons manufactured in Japan under the changes, Japan\u2019s Chunichi newspaper reported, adding that this list may be expanded if more countries enter into bilateral agreements with Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Previous rules, introduced in 1967 and enacted in 1976, had limited Japanese military exports to non-lethal arms, such as those used for surveillance and mine sweeping, Japan\u2019s Asahi newspaper reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asahi also reported that Japan will still restrict exporting weapons to countries where fighting is currently taking place, but exemptions are allowed under \u201cspecial circumstances\u201d where Japan\u2019s national security needs are taken into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Countries interested in buying Japanese-made weapons include Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Indonesia, which recently signed a major defence pact with the United States,<\/a> Chunichi reported, citing Japan\u2019s Ministry of Defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n