In 1st move since 2014, Japan eases defense exports regulations

The relaxation in defense equipment transfers is seen as Tokyo’s “bid to ramp up security ties with like-minded countries and foster related domestic industries through weapons and ammunition exports,” Kyodo News reported.

"Following the revision, Japan decided to provide the United States with Patriot surface-to-air guided missiles produced domestically under a US firms' license," the report added.

It was in 2014 that Tokyo moved away from its war-renouncing constitution, ending Japan’s arms embargo policy.

Japan's move comes amid increasing competition in the wider Asia-Pacific region where the US and China are exerting their influence.

Tokyo is a long-time ally of the US which has around 50,000 of its soldiers deployed in Japan.

Under the revised regulations, Tokyo can now allow arms made in Japan under foreign license, completed products and components, to be shipped to the country from where the license has originated.