Japan revisits controversial defence bills

(Vatican Radio) Japan's parliament is on the verge of passing a set of controversial defence bills, which will allow the Japanese armed forces to take part in military operations overseas.

Until now, offensive operations of that kind have been taboo, given Japan's actions before and during World War II.

Listen to Alastair Wanklyn’s report:

There were angry scenes in Japan's parliament and opposition parties tried to block passage of two bills that will allow Japan to send its armed forces in support of allies overseas.

Outside the Diet building protestors denounced Japan's government for using its parliamentary majority to bulldoze the bills into law.

To many here, giving the armed forces more flexibility echoes the events that led to World War II.

The government here has said reforms are important because until now the United States has been obliged by treaty to defend Japan, but not the other way round.

The government says the change will let this nation play a more muscular role in global affairs. Washington welcomes the change as a strengthening of its alliance.

Some of Japan's neighbours see events differently. China has expressed alarm at what it calls as a swing towards nationalism here in Tokyo.

But some analysts say Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been careful not to rile Beijing too much. In trying to sell the reforms to Japanese voters he named military scenarios that might crop up in future; he stopped short of naming war with China.