TOKYO: Japan’s armed forces looked set to play their most prominent overseas role since the second world war after the country’s lower house passed a series of bills in support of the “war on terrorism”.

The controversial legislation, which expands the permissable role of the military under the pacifist constitution, will allow Japan to provide supplies, medical care and transport to US personnel, as well as widening the scope for the use of firearms by Japanese troops.

The bill, which was supported by a clear majority in the powerful lower chamber of parliament, is almost certain to become law later this month. But its turbulent passage highlighted the mixed feelings in Japan about increasing the role of the country’s self-defence forces.

The vote had been delayed for two days after the prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi, failed to secure all-party support for the bill.

While lawmakers argued inside, about 2,000 peace campaigners formed a human chain outside the parliament building.

The centrepiece of the legislation is a bill that lets Japan dispatch ships, planes and troops to provide rear guard support for the US and humanitarian assistance for refugees.

Revisions to existing laws will also permit Japanese soldiers to use their guns in response to a threat not only to themselves, but to anyone under their protection. In addition, the Self-Defence Forces have been given new powers to guard Japanese and US bases in Japan and to fire on suspicious vessels in Japanese waters.

In deference to Article 9 of the constitution, which renounces the use of force to settle international disputes, the bill limits all activities to non-combat roles. —Dawn/The Guardian News Service.