Japan's parliament passes law to boost its missile defense

[dArKeR]

Japan's Parliament yesterday passed legislation giving the defense chief the authority to shoot down incoming missiles without approval from the prime minister or Cabinet, boosting a joint missile defense system Japan is working on with the US.
The bill was approved by the upper house in a 126-94 vote. It passed the more powerful lower house last month, meaning the legislation will now be enacted.

Japan's postwar pacifist constitution renounces the use of force to settle international disputes, but Tokyo has recently become increasingly concerned about dangers posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programs.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2005/07/23/2003264679