The ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Friday suggested a new set of standards for Japan to use in national defense during the sixth round of talks on the issue with coalition partner New Komeito.
The principles would enable the country to exercise the right to collective self-defense in largely any circumstance, whether under direct attack or not, a move that would fundamentally alter Japan's defense-oriented posture.
Yet it is unclear if the coalition can reach agreement before the Diet closes on June 22. That is what Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is using to pressure the discussion, though he has also reportedly said he is in no rush.