Japan eases arms export rules to enable weapons sales

TOKYO - The Japanese government revised limits on defense equipment exports Tuesday to enable the sale of weapons overseas, its top spokesman said, as it seeks to boost security cooperation with partner countries.

The changes, approved by the Cabinet and the National Security Council, mark a significant shift in defense policy for a country that has touted itself as a "peace-loving nation" under its war-renouncing Constitution since its defeat in World War II.