The Japanese government agreed Tuesday to significantly ease its policy on arms export control.

Since 1976, Japan has banned the exports of arms to communist countries, countries subject to an arms exports embargo under the UN Security Council's resolutions, and countries involved in or likely to be involved in international conflicts.

Japan will largely continue to abide by its arms export ban. But the easing will provide some exemptions and allow the island nation to participate in the joint development and production of defense equipment with other countries and allies, such as the U.S.