The Lower House passed a bill Thursday to establish a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council and sent it to the Upper House, then began deliberating on a bill to protect state secrets.

The two security-related bills are the centerpieces of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's goal of bolstering Japan's security structure amid intensifying provocations in Asia.

The security council bill is expected to clear the Upper House before the current Diet session ends Dec. 6.