Panel to urge Japan to lift ban on collective defense for allies under attack
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A government panel will urge Japan to allow its military to help allies that come under attack, in a major reversal of the country's ban on collective defense under its pacifist constitution.
The panel is expected to present its near-final draft recommendation later Tuesday.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants Japan to play a greater role in international peacekeeping and step up its defense posture, citing potential military threats from China and North Korea.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The panel says the revision is possible by altering the government's interpretation of the war-renouncing constitution. Formal constitutional amendment involves high hurdles, though Abe eventually hopes to achieve that.