TOKYO (AP) — Japan relaxed a decades-old ban on military-related exports on Tuesday in a bid to expand joint arms development with allies and equipment sales to Southeast Asia and elsewhere.

The new guidelines endorsed by the Cabinet are part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to bolster national security amid China’s military expansion and North Korea’s nuclear threat.

Recommended Stories

Japan’s prime minister battles post-World War II constitutional military restrictions

Abe resignation may rile US-Japan ties calmed by personal bond with Trump

Japan and the Comfort Women: Not a ‘Beautiful Country’