SYDNEY (AP) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe warned on Sunday that he may resign if his government fails to extend a mandate for the country's mission in support of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

""Of course, I have no intention of staying in my job,"" Abe told reporters here when asked whether he was ready to resign if his coalition was unable to extend the mandate.
The embattled premier, whose government is already on the rocks after an election defeat and a series of cabinet scandals, needs to secure opposition support for legislation allowing the mission to continue.
""I have to fulfill my duty by using all of my force,"" added Abe, speaking from Sydney where he has been attending a summit of Asia Pacific leaders.
The opposition is against the mission, in which Japanese ships help refuel jets operating in Afghanistan, but the United States has warned that pulling out would damage relations between the long-standing allies.
Japan, which is officially pacifist, provides the logistical support under legislation enacted after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States which allows Tokyo's participation in the U.S.-led ""war on terror.""
The legislation is set to expire November 1.
Abe's coalition still controls the more powerful lower house of parliament but lost control of the upper house two months ago to the opposition.