Japan cabinet approves bill to increase military power

Asia-Pacific, News May 14, 2015 , by IRIA 1 Comment

Japan’s cabinet has approved draft laws which would trigger a dramatic shift in security policy, allowing the military to fight overseas for the first time since World War II.

The cabinet of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has approved legislation authorizing Japan to expand its military capacity beyond self-defense, allowing it to play a greater international role. The bills will now be debated in parliament.

If passed into law, the bills would overturn a US-drafted pacifist constitution signed by Japan after its defeat in World War II, which banned the use of force as a means of settling international disputes.

The latest move comes after a revision of US-Japan defense guidelines which expanded cooperation between the two countries as they seek to respond to China’s increasingly assertive military posturing in the region.

US President and his Japanese counterpart

US President Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Abe says the existing legislation leaves Japan vulnerable amid China’s increasingly assertive presence in the region, adding that Tokyo should be better prepared to defend itself while doing more to aid international peacekeeping efforts.

The bills would remove geographic restrictions on where the military can operate, making it easier for Japan to support other militaries. It would allow Tokyo to use force under certain conditions, such as when an attack on another country carries a threat to Japan.

The proposals would allow Japan to defend other countries under attack.

Although, it could worsen ties with Beijing, already strained by feuds over the wartime past and disputed territory.

A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry responded to the news saying:

“We have repeated many times before that due to historical reasons, Asian neighbouring countries and the international community pay a high level of attention to any changes in Japan’s security policy. We hope that Japan can learn the lessons of history, uphold the path of peaceful development, do more real positive things and play a bigger constructive role in this Asian region in which we coexist for peace, stability and joint development.”

The bills are expected to pass parliamentary approval given the ruling bloc’s majority, although opinion polls show citizens are confused and divided over the changes.

RT/EN