Japan on Tuesday approved a major overhaul of defense export rules, ending long-standing restrictions on lethal weapons sales overseas and paving the way for exports of fighter jets, missiles and warships. "No single country can now protect its own peace and security alone, and partner countries that support each other in terms of defense equipment are necessary," Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a post on X. The move by Takaichi marks a major shift from the pacifist principles