2015-07-17 09:00:00

Japan's lower House approves 'foreign self-defense' bills


(Vatican Radio)  Lawmakers in Japan's lower House of Parliament have approved reforms which could see Japanese troops take on a bigger role in military operations around the world.

Listen to Alastair Wanklyn's report:

The Japanese government argues the world is changing and that Japan needs to adopt a stronger military potential. But the changes have caused some unease in the country and among Japan's neighbours.

There was an uproar in Japan's parliament as the vote came around. Opposition lawmakers walked out, as others approved two bills which will expand the kinds of missions Japanese troops can take part in.

The government says a constitutional prohibition on using force overseas is outdated and Japan needs to be able to support its allies in foreign trouble spots.

Opinion polls show most Japanese voters want their nation to remain pacifist.

Outside the parliament this week protesters said it's wrong to fiddle with constitutional matters without a public vote. They accused Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of behaving like a dictator.

China and South Korea have expressed concern. They also say Japan has failed to atone for its invasion before World War II, its use of forced labour and enslavement of women and girls in military brothels.

On Thursday, Beijing called the changes "unprecedented," urging Tokyo to send "positive messages on the issue of history."

And South Korea's government urged Tokyo to "adhere to the spirit of its pacifist Constitution."

The changes are likely to become law a few weeks from now.








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