TOKYO – Spooked by a worsening security environment, pacifist Japan wants to export lethal weapons directly to countries, including those in South-east Asia, in what will mark a paradigm shift in defence policy, The Straits Times has learnt.

This comes amid appeals for Japan to do more to protect the rules-based order, including by South-east Asian leaders at a commemorative summit on Dec 17 to mark 50 years of Japan-Asean relations.