Anonymousabout 2 hours ago
Japan's cabinet formally lifted its decades-old ban on lethal weapons exports on April 21, 2026, authorizing the sale of fighter jets, missiles, warships, and combat drones to 17 partner nations — the most significant departure from the country's postwar pacifist framework since Article 9 was written. The move, enabled by a cabinet decision rather than a constitutional amendment, follows a $6.5 billion frigate deal with Australia and faces opposition from 48% of Japanese citizens, constitutional scholars, and three opposition parties, while drawing sharp criticism from China.