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Bill to define role of Japan's military clears committee

Legislation to spell out how Japanese authorities can use troops to defend the country's borders or counter a terrorist strike has passed a key Cabinet committee, a government official said yesterday.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has pushed to broaden the role of Japan's military, which operates under tight restrictions imposed by its post-World War II pacifist constitution. Critics say sending troops on peacekeeping missions violates the Constitution and worry that deploying forces at home might invite rights abuses.

The committee approved the package, comprising seven bills, on Tuesday, Cabinet official Takeshi Sato said. It must win the Cabinet's endorsement before being submitted to parliament next month, he said.

Until now, the military, known as the Self-Defense Forces, was charged with defending the country in times of war, but had no clear guidelines.

The legislation would give power to local and national authorities to request troops if a foreign force invades Japan or if terrorists strike. It also would divide responsibilities among ministries for alerting and evacuating residents, and allow Japanese forces to supply and support US forces acting in Japan's defense.

Roughly 50,000 American troops are based in Japan under a join security treaty.

The proposals come as Tokyo considers bolstering its military with a US-developed missile defense system.

Tokyo began drawing up specific guidelines for its troops following the September 2001 suicide attacks in the US.

In October 2001, Koizumi pushed through a law authorizing Japanese warships to provide logistical support for US-led forces in Afghanistan. Last July, parliament approved the dispatch of troops for homeland security and to aid reconstruction in Iraq.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda on Tuesday sought to allay concerns about the bill, saying that a stronger military wouldn't mean civil rights abuses. Officials have said the proposed legislation wouldn't let troops occupy private land if they are refused entry by landowners, and would force the government to compensate for injuries or damages.
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