The Japanese cabinet has officially approved a resolution that will allow the country to exercise collective self-defense. This is to be done by reinterpreting the Pacifist Constitution, despite strong criticism from the public and overseas.

Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said the resolution also relaxes limits on military actions related to, what he called, "grey zone" incidents that fall short of full-scale war.

The move is seen as a major overhaul of Japan's postwar security policy. It sets three new conditions that would enable the exercise of collective self-defense. They include "clear dangers" to the lives of Japanese citizens due to armed attacks on Japan or "countries with close ties."

Abe's drive to assert the right of collective self-defense has sparked protests in Japan.

China and South Korea have repeatedly expressed their concerns.