Japan PM claims geographical limits unneeded for SDF overseas dispatch: report

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Monday that Japan should not impose limits beforehand on where its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) can be dispatched to defense allies in collective self-defense, local media reported.

"I think whether we can apply the use of the right to collective self-defense is not determined by the geographical factor, such as the location is near or far," Abe told the Budget Committee of the upper house, Japan's Kyodo News reported.

The prime minister also said he plans to make Diet approval mandatory for exercising the right of collective self-defense, or defending allies under armed attack even when Japan is not.

In July 2014, the Japanese Cabinet approved a landmark decision to lift the ban on collective self-defense, undermining its pacifist policy bounded by a war-renouncing constitution.

However, legislation is needed for Japan to implement the Cabinet decision, and the government is expected to submit a series of bills during the current regular Diet session through June 24.

Since took office in late 2012, Abe has been pushing for a stronger profile for his country on the global stage and expand the scope of SDF operations, but lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties have raised concerns about his administration's diplomatic and security posture, which has posed risks to its civilians.

Moreover, if the Diet approves the legal revision, the SDF would be able to use armed force across the globe even when Japan is not under direct attack, a move may possibly lead to the resurgent of Japan's militarism. In addition, Japan's post-war commitment to the world will be totally breached and its neighboring countries will face rising risks or war.

Thus, Japan needs a "calm and wide-ranging" debate on what is possible regarding the overseas dispatch of SDF, the coalition partner Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi told reporters. Endi