TOKYO — Japan’s lower house of parliament approved legislation Thursday that sharply changes the country’s postwar defense policy by allowing an expanded role for the military.

The vote came one day after Prime Minster Shinzo Abe’s ruling bloc forced the bills through a committee despite protests both inside and outside parliament.

On Thursday, hundreds of protesters outside the building chanted anti-war and anti-Abe slogans during the debate and vote, some holding banners reading “No to war legislation!”

Abe has long wanted to remove restrictions on Japan’s military in the U.S.-drafted post-World War II constitution. He says the military’s role should be strengthened to counter China’s growing presence in the region, contribute to international peacekeeping, and prepare for new types of threats such as terrorist attacks.

“The legislation is absolutely necessary in order to protect the lives of the Japanese people and prevent the risk of war,” Abe told reporters after the vote. “The security environment surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly harsh.”

Opponents say the legislation brings greater risks to Japan and violates the constitution, which in Article 9 renounces war “as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.”

Opposition lawmakers walked out after their party leaders delivered speeches against the bills.

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