Japan relaxes arms export ban

BEIJING - Japan said on Tuesday it will ease its self-imposed ban on weapon exports, which might threaten the country's Peace Constitution and lead it in the wrong diplomatic direction, analysts said.

Osamu Fujimura, chief cabinet secretary, announced the decision on Tuesday after the meeting of the Security Council of Japan, saying it is aimed at "reducing its national defense costs".

Since World War II, Japan has tightly controlled its foreign weapons sales and further tightened the restrictions.