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Japan Abandons Ban on Weapons Exports in Latest Shift from Postwar Pacifism

HeadlineApr 21, 2026

Japan has relaxed decades of restrictions on the sale of weapons and ammunition, clearing the way for arms exports to more than a dozen countries. Today’s announcement by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is a further shift away from Japan’s pacifist postwar constitution, created by the U.S. as it occupied Japan eight decades ago. China said in response it is “seriously concerned” about Japan’s “reckless militarization.”

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