Japan lifts ban on warship and missile exports

The Japanese government has amended its defense export rules, ending the post‑World War II prohibition on selling lethal military weapons abroad. The change expands the earlier lift on warship and missile exports to include a broader range of offensive arms. Officials say the shift is driven by growing regional security threats, particularly from China. This marks the first time since 1945 that Japan will legally export such weapons, signaling a significant turn toward militarisation.