Pictures from the protests in Japan.

A set of bills that will expand Japan’s military role and involvement in military actions was accepted on Thursday. Brought up by its Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the country will take its military actions in the region more seriously. In the words of Abe, it is time for Japan to become more independent and to stop hiding behind the United States.

The accepted draft will be passed to lawmakers and it will be processed in the next few months until its final utilization. The bill is based on “collective defense”, meaning the Japanese trained and equipped army will be able to go into battle to help allies. This form of military usage is against the current pacifist constitution of Japan.

At the official press conference Abe said the world has come to a point where no country can defend itself without the help of other nations. He stressed the fact that only in the last two years Japanese citizens were killed in acts of terrorism in Tunisia, Syria and Algeria and warned on North Korea’s rising nuclear and air-force power as well. “This is the reality. We should not try to ignore it,” he said. Washington greeted the decision of Japan saying they’ve never tried to interfere with their politics, but always have warned them on the possible danger around them.

The decision to be more engaged in military action caused a lot of public criticism in Japan. People are not satisfied with their soldiers going to fight for others fearing Japan could be pulled into the US’s Middle East conflicts. The bill does not allow usage of any force except if the nation needs to be protected from direct outside attacks.

Prime Minister Abe stated “The conventional principle that (the military) shall not be deployed overseas will stay. They will not take part in conflicts like the Gulf War or Iraq War in the future. I want to make that clear.” He added that he doesn’t want to break the countries 70 year peace record.

Unsatisfied people gathered in front of Abe’s office protesting and holding anti-war banners trying to stop the new bill from passing. Most people as mentioned before think the United States will use the opportunity to ease their wars.

The news appeared to have sparked concern in the region with the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying saying “we hope that Japan will draw lessons from history, pursue the path of peaceful development, and make more positive efforts for the peace, stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region where we live together.”

The legislation is about to change ten security related laws and make one more new law which will ban international gun trade, strengthening domestic gun production, involvement in abroad actions when needed and obligatory help to allies in danger.