- Sputnik International
Asia
Find top stories and features from Asia and the Pacific region. Keep updated on major political stories and analyses from Asia and the Pacific. All you want to know about China, Japan, North and South Korea, India and Pakistan, Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Farewell to Pacifism? Japan Moves Closer to Sending Troops to Fight Abroad

© AP Photo / .S. Navy, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael RussellMembers of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force conduct small arms weapons training aboard U.S. Navy's amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu.
Members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force conduct small arms weapons training aboard U.S. Navy's amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu. - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Japan's lower house panel approved security bills, which would allow the country's troops to fight abroad, despite the opposition from the majority of ordinary residents.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, right, speaks to Captain Kyle P. Higgins onboard the USS Blue Ridge as she arrives in Sydney Harbour, Australia, Friday, July 3, 2015 - Sputnik International
Let the War Games Begin: US, Australia, Japan Kick Off Military Exercise
Legislation to implement this radical change in Japan's defense policy, permitting authorities to send troops abroad to fight together with the country's ally forces for the first time since World War II, was accepted on Wednesday.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claimed that the bills are essential for Tokyo's new challenges in the region, such as China. The legislation violates the pacifist constitution of Japan, Abe's opponents suggested. They also claimed it would oblige Tokyo to take part in US-led conflicts around the globe.

Abe is believed to be pushing the bills as his ruling bloc has an overwhelming majority in the lower house.

The Japanese prime minister's ratings have rapidly fallen over people's concerns about implementing security bills. According to an Asahi newspaper poll released on Monday, Abe's disapproval rating rose to 42 percent. 

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала