Japan’s cabinet has approved the right to use military force to defend allies. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe explained the new policy in a press conference.

The decision marks a major revision in the way Japan interprets its postwar pacifist constitution.

The country can now use an absolute minimum of military force to protect allies when all other options have been exhausted.

Protestors gathered outside the parliament building to show their opposition to the new policy.

The prime minister told the public Japan would not get involved in any wars.

Abe says enabling the right to collective self-defense does not change Japan’s fundamental stance as a pacifist nation.

He also said he believes the new interpretation of the constitution will ensure peace and safety for the Japanese people.

A special parliamentary team will work to draft the decision into law.