Japan prepares for missile shipments after easing arms export restrictions

Japan announces revisions to arms export guidelines, allowing the shipment of Patriot air defence missiles to the United States. This marks a major overhaul of export curbs and aims to strengthen the Japan-US alliance. The move is significant for Japan's security and the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. While the new controls still prevent weapon shipments to countries at war, it indirectly supports Ukraine in its conflict with Russia by providing the US with extra capacity for military aid.