On Tuesday, Japan approved the lifting of its ban on lethal weapons exports, marking a major shift from its postwar pacifist policy as the country seeks to build up its arms industry and deepen cooperation with defense partners.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet has approved new guidelines, clearing the final hurdle for Japan’s post-war arms sales.

This move comes as the country accelerates its military buildup in response to the region’s increasingly severe security challenges. Although this policy shift has drawn criticism from China, it has been largely welcomed by Japan’s defense partners, such as Australia, and has attracted interest from Southeast Asia and Europe.

Opponents argue that this change violates Japan’s pacifist constitution, and will exacerbate global tensions, and threaten the safety of the Japanese people.