Japan's decision to abolish its long-held ban on lethal weapons sales  overseas has been welcomed by allies and condemned by regional rivals.  However, the policy change is likely to have lasting implications for the geopolitical rivalries that are destabilizing the Western Pacific. Some fear the move could push the region to the brink of armed clashes. The government confirmed last week that Japanese companies will, from now on, be free to sell advanced military equipment to 17 countries with