Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, said that Japan needs to be able to protect itself from ballistic threats. (Image via MarketWatch)

Abe: Japan needs to strengthen its defense

Known as a pacifist nation, the Prime Minister (PM) of Japan, Shinzo Abe, advised on Friday that Japan should boost its ballistic missile defense. Abe's statement came during his final days as the PM, having resigned late August due to his health condition. Moreover, he also stated that Japan's security system should be able to handle the ballistic threat posed by one of his neighboring countries, North Korea (N. Korea).

In order to deter the threats, Abe's administration initially considered a new missile policy that adheres to the Japanese Constitution and international law. Furthermore, Abe is certain that Japan cannot only rely on its interception system alone to protect itself against ballistic missiles.

Abe assured that Japan's defense-oriented policy would not change. However, adding the offensive ability to the Japanese military and defense in spite of its intention as defense and security will be a controversial decision. The first objection came from the coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Komeito. The Japanese post-war maintained the defense-oriented military and heavy reliance on the U.S under a bilateral alliance. In 2017, Japan purchased a missile deterrence system, Aegis Ashore, at $4.2 billion, yet unable to use it due to the protests of its people.

Meanwhile, Abe's statement may be void, giving the condition that he had resigned and the new candidate will be determined next week. Until his resignation, Abe's dilemma about missile defense remains and it will be one of the legacies carried on by the next PM who will be appointed next week.

Source: https://bit.ly/3hpyxmW