What are the three conditions where Japan can exercise its right to collective self-defense?
The three conditions were decided by the Abe government in July 2014 when they approved a cabinet decision to change the interpretation of Article 9. They are:
- There is an armed attack against a country that has a close relationship with Japan, and the situation threatens the existence of Japan and presents a clear danger to citizens’ lives, freedom and happiness.
- There is no other alternative but to use force to protect the sovereignty of Japan and its citizens.
- The use of forces must be confined to the minimum necessary.
( Source: Tokyo Shimbun May 15, 2015).
