Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made his case again Wednesday for enabling Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, amid discussions between the Liberal Democratic Party and junior coalition partner New Komeito on security scenarios that would require Japan to defend the U.S. and other friendly nations.

It was the first Diet debate on collective self-defense since Abe officially announced on May 15 that the government would review the country's defense posture with a view to bolstering Japan's U.S. alliance.

"We need to establish our defense more seamlessly to enhance our deterrent power to protect lives and assets of the Japanese people," Abe told the Lower House Budget Committee.