Japan poised to support US military

Japan's Self-Defence Force will not take part in fighting

Japanese forces are preparing to support the US-led military campaign in Afghanistan after a crucial vote on Thursday backed changes to the role of the military.

A bill passed by the lower house of parliament will allow Japan's Self Defence Forces (SDF) to provide non-combat support for operations abroad.

The legislation was adopted despite claims by the main opposition party that it breaches Japan's pacifist constitution drawn up after World War II.

The new law is a victory for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi

The bill will now go to the upper house and is expected to become law by the end of the month. It will remain law for only two years.

The move has handed Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi a political victory as he goes to the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) summit in Shanghai at the weekend, where he will meet US President George W Bush.

Opinion polls have shown the Japanese public is largely behind the new laws but there has been some anger at the changes.

On Thursday, about 2,000 protesters gathered outside the parliament building, holding banners reading: "Wars will not eliminate terrorism" and "Don't co-operate with war".

New roles

Under the new legislation, the SDF will be able to provide logistical support such as medical services and shipment of supplies, take part in search-and-rescue missions and help victims of military strikes.

There is opposition in Japan to attacks on Afghanistan

Troops will be allowed to use their weapons to protect themselves and also to defend people under their care, such as refugees and injured soldiers.

However, the SDF will not be allowed to use or threaten offensive force or transport arms and ammunition over land.

Parliamentary approval will have to be obtained within 20 days after the dispatch of troops.

Japanese armed forces will also be allowed to protect US military bases in Japan - previously only the police and coastguard have been allowed to do so.

Asian unease

Until now Japanese troops have only gone abroad with United Nations peacekeeping missions, and have not been allowed to use weapons.

Japan's post-war constitution bans the use of force to settle international disputes, and neighbouring Asian countries are uneasy about the prospect of Japanese troops being sent outside its borders.

Mr Koizumi recently returned from one-day trips to China and South Korea where he apologised for past military aggression.

During the Gulf War, Japan was criticised for only contributing financially and Mr Koizumi wants the country to play a more active role in the current campaign.