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Japan eyes lethal weapon exports to South-east Asia to boost regional security
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A US soldier inspecting a Patriot missile defence battery. Japan on Dec 22 allowed the sale of Patriot interceptor missiles to the US.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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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
