The Lower House passed a bill Thursday to establish a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council and sent it to the Upper House, then began deliberating on a bill to protect state secrets.
The two security-related bills are the centerpieces of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe¡¯s goal of bolstering Japan¡¯s security structure amid intensifying provocations in Asia.
The security council bill is expected to clear the Upper House before the current Diet session ends Dec. 6.
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