Move to send 'alarming signal' across Asia

BEIJING - Japan's decision to lift its decades-old weapons export ban on Tuesday came as little surprise given its increasingly active stance in regional affairs, according to observers.

The move, which will allow Japanese companies to take part in arms development projects with countries other than the United States, was followed by a $15 billion currency swap deal on Wednesday between Japan and India, the world's largest arms importer.

The two countries are also expected to hold their first joint naval drill next year.