Tokyo, April 21 (QNA) - The Japanese government revised limits on defense equipment exports Tuesday to enable the sale of weapons overseas, as it seeks to boost security cooperation with partner countries.

According to Japan's news agency (Kyodo), 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.

They come as the government aims to strengthen the country's defense industry amid what the administration has called Japan's most severe security environment since the end of World War II.

“In this context, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that "no country can now safeguard its own peace and security alone, making it necessary to have partners that support each other in areas including defense equipment.

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan "will uphold its fundamental principles as a peace-loving nation built over more than 80 years since the end of the war." (QNA)