Japan has long had some of the world＊s strictest restrictions on arms exports. But things are set to change radically 〞 as early as next spring.
Intensifying geopolitical rivalries, a new coalition partner and a winning bid to sell modern frigates have presented the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) with a unique opportunity to scrap a requirement limiting Japan＊s military exports to five nonlethal categories.
The envisioned policy change, part of a number of defense initiatives stipulated in October＊s ruling coalition agreement, would pave the way for the export of a much broader range of equipment 〞 both new and used 〞 including lethal systems, at a time of growing security tensions across the globe.
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