Japan’s nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said the country’s pacifist post-World War II constitution which limits its military to self-defence could be amended by 2020.
In a New Year comment published in a national daily on Wednesday, Abe predicted the constitution “will have been revised” by 2020 when Tokyo hosts the Summer Olympics.
His comments come days after he enraged Asian neighbours and disappointed Washington by visiting a Tokyo shrine honouring the country’s war dead, including World War II leaders, and been seen abroad as a symbol of Japan’s militaristic past.
“(By 2020), I think Japan will have completely restored its status and been making great contributions to peace and stability in the region and the world,” he said.
He added that Japan’s elevated status could possibly help Asia become a “balanced and stable region”.
Military officials also believe a limited advisory mission will help maintain progress Afghan security forces made in recent years.
Comments are closed.