An Upper House special committee began full-scale debate Monday on bills to implement the updated Japan-U.S. defense guidelines with Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi calling for renewed efforts to seek the understanding of Asian neighbors.
"Considering the course of events in the past, we must sincerely explain and seek understanding (of Asian nations) that the new guidelines are intended to ensure the security of our nation," Obuchi said before the special committee.
In dealing with China, which has voiced strong concern over the new guidelines, he said that in November he explained and gained a "certain understanding" during his meeting with Chinese President Jiang Zemin.