00:00Japan is scrapping restrictions on its exports of weapons.
00:04The move marks a big step away from the pacifist restraints that have shaped its post-war
00:10security policy.
00:11It's also meant to give a big boost to the country's defence industrial base.
00:17Companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries can build complex weapons systems including
00:22submarines, fighter aircraft and missiles.
00:25But for decades they've had to rely on one customer.
00:29Japan's self-defence forces.
00:32Now overseas sales could help such companies build revenue, cut costs and boost capacity.
00:39Two Reuters sources say one of the first deals could be the sale of used warships to the Philippines.
00:45Other countries including Poland are also said to be exploring deals.
00:50It all comes as wars in the Middle East and Ukraine strain US weapons production, potentially
00:56creating opportunities for Japan to fill the gap.
00:59allies in Europe and Asia are also looking to diversify their suppliers, amid concerns
01:05over the reliability of support from Washington.
01:09The changes approved by Prime Minister Sanae Takeuchi's government retain a commitment to
01:14strict screening, controls on transfers to third countries and a ban on sales to nations involved
01:21in conflict.
01:22Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara set out the changes on Tuesday.
01:30Today no country can safeguard its own peace and security on its own.
01:34To protect both national and regional peace, it is important to further promote the transfer
01:38of defence equipment and strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of allies and like-minded
01:43partners.
01:46Japan is already taking steps to bolster its military, increasing its spending and buying
01:52missiles, jets and drones to deter any threat from China.
01:56It's also developing a next-generation jet fighter with Britain and Italy for deployment in
02:02the mid-2030s.
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