Japan's Upper House Passes Law for Sending Troops on Non-combat Mission

Japan's parliament approved a bill Monday to allow its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to provide non- combat support to the ongoing U.S.-led retaliatory strikes over the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington last month.

The bill, together with other two bills, officially became law on Monday with the passage by the House of Councilors, or upper house, after 25 days of their submission to the Diet (parliament).

The legislation allows Japan to send the SDF overseas during an armed conflict for the first time, enabling the SDF to provide logistic support, such as medical services and supply shipments, to the military operations.

The legislation allows the SDF to engage in search-and-rescue operations and carry out humanitarian relief activities to help those affected by the military strikes.

The bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives earlier this month, was approved on Monday by the House of Councilors in a vote backed by the ruling coalition, including the Liberal Democratic Party, the New Komeito party and the New Conservative Party.

Of the 240 valid votes, 140 were for and 100 against.

Under the legislation, Japan's SDF will be allowed to operate on foreign soil for the first time under the bill, provided that Japan obtains consent from the governments concerned.

It also eases restrictions on the use of weapons by SDF personnel, allowing them to protect not only themselves but also those "who have come under their control," such as refugees and injured soldiers.

Following the passage of the bill through the Diet, Japanese government will draw up a plan on the size and activities of SDF contingents to be dispatched to assist the military operations.

Japanese government plans to send a fleet of Maritime Self- Defense Force ships to the Indian Ocean for transport and shipment missions, government officials said.

Two other related bills were also passed in the chamber's plenary session.

One enables the SDF to protect its own facilities and U.S. bases in Japan, and the other allows the Japan Coast Guard to open fire on unidentified vessels suspected of criminal activities.






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