New York Times: Japan Moves to Allow Military Combat for First Time in 70 Years
TOKYO — Defying broad public opposition and large demonstrations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe won a crucial vote in Parliament on Thursday for legislation that would give Japan’s military limited powers to fight in foreign conflicts for the first time since World War II.
Mr. Abe’s party and its allies in the lower house of Parliament approved the package of 11 security-related bills after opposition lawmakers walked out in protest and as demonstrators chanted noisily outside, despite a gathering typhoon. The upper chamber, which Mr. Abe’s coalition also controls, is all but certain to endorse the legislation as well.
WNU Editor: China is not amused and issues a threat .... China warns Japan over laws to allow its troops to fight abroad (The Guardian). More reaction from China is here. What's my take .... this is monumental and fundamental change in Japanese foreign/military/and political policy and strategy.
More News On Japan Voting To Allow The Deployment Of Combat Forces For The First Time Since The Second World War
Japan's lower house approves change to self-defence law -- BBC
Japan moves closer to more assertive military role as lawmakers pass bills -- CNN
Japan's Parliament Votes to Expand Military's Overseas Role -- NBC
Japan Claims Limited Military Powers for First Time Since World War II -- Washington Free Beacon
Shinzo Abe seeks to reassure China over Japan’s security bills -- Financial Times
Thousands protest against Japan security bills -- Channel News Asia
Japan's (self) defence forces -- Jonathan Marcus, BBC
Is Japan's military heading for a fight? -- Inside Story/Al Jazeera
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