Japan's Military Change

From the BBC:

"Japan cabinet approves landmark military change"

Japan's cabinet has approved a landmark change in security policy, paving the way for its military to fight overseas.  Under its constitution, Japan is barred from using force to resolve conflicts except in cases of self-defence. But a reinterpretation of the law will now allow "collective self-defence" - using force to defend allies under attack. PM Shinzo Abe has been pushing hard for the move, arguing Japan needs to adapt to a changing security environment.  "No matter what the circumstances, I will protect Japanese people's lives and peaceful existence," he told journalists after the change was approved. The decision must be passed by parliament, which the ruling bloc controls. But by reinterpreting rather than revising the constitution, Mr Abe avoids the need for a public referendum.  The US - with whom Japan has a decades-old security alliance - will welcome the move, but it will anger China, with whom Japan's ties are already very strained.  Japan adopted its pacifist constitution after its surrender in World War Two. Since then, its troops have not engaged in combat, although small numbers have taken part in UN peace-keeping operations.

 

What is collective self-defence?

• In the past Japan could use force only in self-defence. Under the proposed change, Japan's military will be able to come to the aid of allies if they come under attack from a common enemy
• Other conditions would apply, according to reports, including that there should be a clear threat to the Japanese state and that people's right to life and liberty could be subverted
• Examples from officials of "collective self-defence" could include Japan shooting down a missile fired by North Korea at the US and Japan taking part in mine-sweeping operations in key sea lanes during a conflict
• Japan's PM says the change does not mean taking part in multilateral wars, like the US-led war in Iraq

 

It has long held the view that under international law, it has the right to collective self-defence, but - until today - said it could not exercise that right because of constitutional limits.  Mr Abe emphasised that the change would not lead to involvement in foreign wars. "There is a misunderstanding that Japan will be involved in war in an effort to defend a foreign country, but this is out of the question," he told the press conference.  "It will be strictly a defensive measure to defend our people. We will not resort to the use of force in order to defend foreign forces."

^ It's the 21st century and the world has changed in the past 2 decades alone. This will allow Japan to do whatever it needs to do to defend itself. ^

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28086002