DHAKA: Japan on Wednesday began its first ever military trade fair, with a particular focus on maritime security at a time of rising regional tensions over territorial squabbles.

The three-day fair, organized by a private British company with the backing of Japan’s defense and trade ministries, comes as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pushes to boost the role and capability of his well-equipped military.

Amongst other things, that means re-thinking their rules of engagement to allow them to fight to defend an ally - something most administrations have said was impossible under Japan's pacifist constitution.

The government has also moved to lessen restrictions on the home-grown weapons industry, allowing it to sell more hardware abroad in an effort to boost the sector, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1746 HRS, MAY 13, 2015
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