TOKYO, May 11 (PNA/Kyodo) — Japan’s ruling coalition gave formal approval Monday to a series of security-linked bills that will expand the scope of operations by the Self-Defense Forces, setting the stage for Cabinet approval and submission of the bills to parliament.
After months of negotiations, the Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, the Komeito party, agreed on the content and wording of the security bills that will enable Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, lawmakers said.
With Monday’s accord paving the way for one of the most drastic changes to Japan’s postwar security policy, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will give final approval at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday. Abe is also set to give a press conference on Thursday to explain the government’s decision. (PNA/Kyodo)