Japan has been moving towards a bolder security stance, upgrading its defense agency to a full-fledged ministry in January. Last week it signed a defense pact with Australia, the first such agreement with a nation other than the United States.

Speaking at graduation ceremonies at the National Defense Academy, Abe — who is working to transform the country’s diplomatic and security policies — said regional threats such as North Korea meant still stronger ties with the United States were needed.

“Given these threats, it is essential that Japan strengthen its alliance with the United States, as well as improving its own national security structure, to protect the lives, health, and property of the nation,” Abe was quoted by Kyodo news agency as saying.

He did not give further details.

Abe will visit Washington in late April for a summit with U.S. President George W. Bush.

Japan has in recent years pushed the limits of its U.S.-drafted pacifist constitution, and Abe wants to rewrite the document to clarify the legal status of its military and facilitate a bigger global security role.

Subscribe to The China Post and save.  Click hereSharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Enter your comments - 800 characters max

Receive China Post promos

Respond to this email