General · 21 April 2026
Japan lifts ban on lethal arms sales
User:Megapixie via Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)
Regional security ties and defence trade are set to expand after Tokyo removed long-standing limits on overseas weapons sales. Japan approved the rule change on 21 April, allowing exports of lethal military equipment beyond the previous five approved categories. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said transfers will in principle be possible, while recipients must pledge use in line with the United Nations Charter.
Reported by The Japan Times · How we write briefs