Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration is in a rush to lift Japan's self-imposed arms export ban in a major policy departure amid the changing security situation surrounding the nation.
The Liberal Democratic Party's junior partner in the ruling coalition, New Komeito, is hesitant, however, to ease the so-called Three Principles on Arms Exports, which were established in 1967.
The LDP-New Komeito ruling bloc on Wednesday started to weigh a tentative outline compiled by the administration Tuesday that would allow the transfer and export of arms if it contributes to Japan's and global security.