(VOVworld) - Japan and the United States unveiled new guidelines for defense cooperation on Monday, reflecting Japan's willingness to take on a more robust international role.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe will play a key role in hammering out the final details of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (Photo: CNN)

The guidelines allow for global cooperation militarily, ranging from defense against ballistic missiles, cyber and space attacks as well as maritime security.

The move follows Japan’s revision of its post Second World War Constitution last year that allows the exercise of the right to "collective self-defense.

The guidelines are expected to lead to greater U.S.-Japan coordination including possible joint patrolling to ensure security in the East Sea, where China and other regional states are competing claims on scattered islands.