Hundreds of Japanese protest against expanded power for military
Hundreds of people in Japan have gathered in front of the prime minister’s office to protest against bills that would give Japanese military forces greater power.
Japan’s cabinet is expected Thursday to approve a set of controversial security bills bolstering the role and scope of Japan’s so-called Self Defense Forces (SDF).
Protesters held banners in front of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s office, saying that the move would drag Japan into war.
“This will be security legislation that enables the Self Defense Forces to engage in warfare overseas,” said Shingo Fukuyama, 68.
“If a war starts, it will be our generation that will be dispatched,” said a 23-year-old graduate school student in Tokyo.
“I cannot tolerate this… Abe’s government is downplaying the constitution, and it makes me worry that Japan could end up in shambles,” said a 66-year-old female participant in the protest.
The bills
The bills, including a new permanent bill as well as comprising revisions to 10 existing laws, would give Japan’s SDF greater power. According to the bills, geographical restrictions on where the SDF can operate would be removed, and under certain conditions Tokyo will be allowed to defend its security allies for the first time since WWII.
Abe has claimed that Tokyo can no longer shy away from its responsibility to help safeguard regional stability, and must step out from the shade of the security umbrella provided by the United States.
MRA/HJL/HMV
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