Japan's Security Legislation Put into Force

Tokyo, March 29 (Jiji Press)--Japan's new security legislation entered into force on Tuesday, marking a change in the country's exclusively defensive posture that had been kept intact in the postwar period. The legislation, comprising revisions to 10 existing laws and a new international peace and cooperation law, enables the Self-Defense Forces to use force overseas to help an ally under attack under the right to collective self-defense. The effectuation came a half year after the controversial legislation was enacted in September last year amid fierce resistance from opposition lawmakers and demonstrations by protestors around the parliament building. Through the legislation, the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to strengthen security cooperation with the United States, at a time when the security environment surrounding Japan is becoming harsh due to North Korea's provocative acts and China's growing assertiveness in its nearby seas. Under the laws, Japan will draw up SDF operational standards, including on the use of weapons, and step up training for SDF troops. A new role of protecting civilians and foreign soldiers in other areas is eyed for SDF troops in the U.N. Mission in South Sudan. But the Abe government is expected to delay the addition of the role until after the House of Councillors election in summer. The security legislation are "the outcome of our thorough thinking on what are necessary for self-defense in our duty to protect the people," Abe stressed at an Upper House Budget Committee meeting on Monday. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference on the same day that the government will continue to give explanations on the laws to promote public understanding. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, at a ministry meeting, called for careful preparations for new SDF operations made possible by the legislation. Under the legislation, Japan can now exercise the collective self-defense right in the event of an attack against another country that poses a clear danger to Japan's existence. Japan can also send SDF troops, without geographical restrictions, to support foreign militaries in the event of a situation causing significant implications for the country's peace and safety. The legislation also allows the SDF to carry out new roles in U.N. peacekeeping missions, such as joint operations with foreign forces to protect bases, as well as the protection of civilians and foreign troops working in places away from SDF troops. On the envisioned escort of U.S. vessels in peacetime, the SDF will accelerate talks with the U.S. military on details. END