TOKYO — The Japanese Cabinet approved a revision relaxing restrictions on arms exports under the Three Principles governing transfers of defense equipment and technology. The change allows Japanese companies to sell defense equipment to countries with which Japan has an arms export agreement.

Under the previous rules, Japan could export only nonlethal equipment for rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping, and could not send equipment to countries engaged in active conflict. The list of countries with which Japan has an arms export agreement currently includes 17 countries, including the United States, and is expected to grow to 20.

The National Security Council will review all sales of defense equipment and technology, and the Diet will be notified after each decision. The restriction on exporting defense equipment to countries engaged in active combat will continue, with exceptions possible for compelling national security reasons.

"No single country can now protect its own peace and security alone," Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said. "There is absolutely no change in our commitment to upholding the path we have taken as a peaceful nation over the past 80 years since the end of the war, as well as our fundamental principles," she said.

The revision follows a series of shifts in Japan's defense posture. In 1992, Japan passed laws authorizing the Self Defense Forces, which have existed since 1954, to participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Revisions in 1997 to the Guidelines for Japan–U.S. Defense Cooperation extended the jurisdiction of the Self Defense Forces to address situations in areas surrounding Japan. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the forces supported Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. A little over three years ago, the government in Tokyo issued three new national security documents.

Japan has the world's third- or fourth-largest military budget and operates the largest inventory of F-35 advanced jet fighters outside the United States. The country also operates military satellite constellations, mini-aircraft carriers and amphibious forces, and has pursued counterstrike capabilities, the right to partake in collective self-defense operations, and a proactive cyber defense. Article Nine of the Japanese Constitution forbids using force to settle international disputes and possessing the tools to wage war.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said the Cabinet decision is contradictory to Japan's identity as a peaceful nation and evidence of "new militarism." Andrew Oros, a professor of political science, said Japan views active military solutions to security challenges suspiciously. In a public opinion poll, 67% of Japanese respondents said they oppose exports of lethal equipment.