On The Times website.
Japan considers capability for pre-emptive strike against North Korea
Japan is running out of time to protect itself against North Korean missile attack and needs to consider gaining the ability to carry out pre-emptive attacks, the country’s prime minister has said.
In a move that will alarm
China and South Korea, as well as many Japanese,
Shinzo Abe’s government will consider awarding itself the right to carry out such attacks, which are arguably banned by the country’s “peace constitution”.
“We should renew our discussion of adequate deterrence, considering North Korea’s missile technology has advanced since the time we introduced our missile defence systems,” Mr Abe said in a speech and press conference after the closing of the country’s Diet. “It’s not acceptable to create a vacuum in our defence,” he added. “Peace is something that is not given but needs to be earned.”
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