"Japan's Shift: Selling Fighter Jets Signals Departure from Pacifist Principles"

Japan's Cabinet approved a plan to sell future next-generation fighter jets developed with Britain and Italy to other countries, marking a significant departure from the country's postwar pacifist principles. The decision aims to bolster Japan's role in global security and build up its arms industry, but has sparked criticism and concerns about transparency and public approval. The move reflects Japan's evolving stance on arms exports amid rising regional tensions, particularly from China, and is part of efforts to replace its aging fleet of American-designed F-2 fighters.