The Abe administration proposed Friday amending the Self-Defense Forces Law to make it legal to exercise the right to collective self-defense, moving a step closer to the possibility that Japan will use military force even if it is not under direct attack.
The expected revision, presented during the fourth round of the ruling coalition's security talks, would allow the SDF to use force overseas if a situation meets conditions under the reinterpretation of the Constitution approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet last July, such as if an attack poses a clear danger to Japan's survival.
Possible scenarios include coming to the rescue of a U.S. ship under attack with Japanese on board, and mine-sweeping operations in international sea lanes.