Abe hints at study on enemy base attack capability

November 23, 2017

TOKYO- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe suggested Wednesday that his government may in the future study the possibility of Japan acquiring the ability to strike enemy bases, in a bid to prevent missile attacks by other countries in advance.

"Japan depends on the US ability to attack enemy bases, and the Japanese government has no plans to change the current basic roles of the two countries," Abe said at a plenary meeting of the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of parliament.

But the prime minister, while apparently referring to the military threat from North Korea, stressed that "the government is responsible for considering various options for ways to protect the lives of Japanese citizens and their peaceful lives."

Abe also said that his government plans to improve Japan's missile defense system, chiefly with the planned deployment of the Aegis Ashore ground-based missile defense system.

The Aegis Ashore is expected to be deployed in Akita and Yamaguchi prefectures. Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told the Upper House meeting that it was indispensable for the government to win support from local communities.

Abe said he did not call on US President Donald Trump to bring his country back to the Paris climate agreement, when they had summit talks in Tokyo earlier this month.

The prime minister said that his government will continue explaining the importance of addressing climate change to the US government and seek ways to work together in the field. Jiji Press