Japan has relaxed its rules on selling weapons to other countries. This is a big change from strict limits set after World War II.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi approved the new rules. Japan can now sell advanced military equipment to more than a dozen countries.

But Japan is keeping three key rules in place. These are: careful checks on buyers, limits on passing weapons to other countries and a ban on sales to countries at war.

Sales of deadly weapons will need a National Security Council review. Japan can only sell to countries that already have defense deals with Japan.

The new system also replaces five old export categories with case-by-case reviews by ministers. Early deals being explored include used warships for the Philippines.

Australia has already signed a deal for frigates built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. China has criticized the change.

Many Japanese people are also uneasy about it. A March survey found 53% of Japanese people were against the move.

Only 32% supported it. The change is part of Japan's push to grow its defense spending and weapons industry.