TOKYO, Dec. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- The Japanese government would submit a bill next year to upgrade the Defense Agency into an apartment, the top government spokesman said Monday.

    "If an agreement can be achieved within the ruling bloc, the government plans to submit the bill to the next parliamentary session," Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe told a press conference.

    The New Komeito party of the ruling coalition basically favors such a bill, but is seeking to adjust the name to highlight its nature for peaceful purpose.

    The regular parliamentary session starts in January. The ruling coalition holds an absolute majority in the parliament.

    Japan's pacifist constitution bans possession of a military force and renounces warfare.

    To upgrade the agency is part of ruling Liberal Democratic Party's efforts to expand the political and military role of the world's second largest economy.

    In late November, the party presented a constitutional revision draft on the 50th anniversary of its foundation, advocating turning the Self-Defense Force into an army. Enditem