Unpopular Japan security bills approved by lower house
Add BT as a preferred source
DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.
[TOKYO] Legislation for a dramatic change in Japan's defence policy that loosens constraints on the military was approved by parliament's lower house on Thursday, despite huge popular protests and a dent in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ratings.
Mr Abe says a bolder security stance, welcomed by ally Washington, is essential to meeting new challenges, such as those from a rising China.
Opponents say the revisions could entangle Japan in US-led conflicts around the globe and violate pacifist Article Nine of the US-drafted, post-war constitution.
REUTERS
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
TRENDING NOW
Vietnam acts fast to shield firms, households from fuel price surge
Beijing’s calculated silence on the Iran war
S-E Asia tourism takes hit from Middle East crisis, but intra-regional travel could spell hope
China pips the US if Asean is forced to choose, but analysts warn against reading it like a sports result
