Japan: Standoff on Expanding Military

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/17/world/asia/japan-standoff-on-expanding-military.html

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Opposition lawmakers and thousands of demonstrators staged last-ditch protests in a showdown Wednesday over legislation to expand the role of Japan’s military. Members of the opposition tried to delay a vote in the upper house and planned to propose a series of no-confidence votes against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet and its key members. The security bills were passed in July by the more powerful lower house. Mr. Abe says Japan needs the security measures to bolster defense amid China’s growing assertiveness. Opponents say they violate Japan’s Constitution.