 Mr. Abe has presented the package as an unavoidable response to new threats facing Japan, in particular the growing military power of China. He seized on the murder of two Japanese hostages by the Islamic State militant group in January as an example of why Japan needs to loosen restrictions on its military, suggesting that the military might have rescued them if it had been free to act.
"These laws are absolutely necessary because the security situation surrounding Japan is growing more severe," he said after Thursday's vote.
China condemned passage of the bills, describing them as a potential threat to peace in Asia and invoking Japan's wartime aggression.
JOE M: Feelin' lucky? I'ms sure as #$%^ am not. |