Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is forging ahead with a plan that could increase the deployment of the Self-Defense Forces overseas under new parameters, and the United Nations welcomes a national debate in Japan on the issue as it views the potential to improve peacekeeping efforts with Tokyo’s help.

"The broader policy debate that is going on in your country with respect to Japan's engagement in the further peacekeeping is something that we welcome very much," Ameerah Haq, U.N. undersecretary-general for field support, said in an interview at her office.

"It solidifies the partnership between Japan and the U.N. and Japan's contribution to the peace and security agenda of the U.N."