Japanese Cabinet lifts limits on self-defense

Expert says move will 'add more uncertainty to the region's future'

Thousands of demonstrators from all over Japan loudly protested outside Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official residence on Tuesday after he announced his Cabinet's decision to lift the decadeslong ban on collective self-defense.

The Cabinet announced it will reinterpret Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution to allow for collective self-defense, or coming to the aid of an ally under attack. The article bans the use of military force to settle international disputes and prohibits Tokyo from sending troops overseas to fight.