Japan has relaxed its decades-long weapons export ban in a move to bolster its local defense market and strengthen ties with allies around the world, Reuters reported Tuesday.The Japanese government announced a weapon transfer policy overhaul Tuesday that allows local defense firms to build arms technology in partnership with foreign manufacturers, according to the report by Kiyoshi Takenaka and Nobuhiro Kubo.
Takenaka and Kubo write the reform primarily focuses on non-lethal gear, including patrol ships and mine detectors, according to the article.
Japan will continue to restrict exporting of weapons to nations that violate resolutions adopted by the U.N. Security Council, according to Reuters.
The Asian country, which is competing with China for regional hegemony, implemented weapons export controls in 1967 under its pacifist, post-war constitution.
