Prime Minister Shinzo Abe revealed his intention to adhere to the National Defense Program Guidelines and further promote Japan's defense capabilities, in what appears to be an effort to demonstrate to the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump the significance of the role Japan can fulfill.
The prime minister had already touched upon the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance through speeches and remarks he'd made between Jan. 20, when the ordinary session of the Diet began, and Jan. 24. But it was not until Jan. 25 that he stated, "Based on the understanding that a country's own efforts comprise the bedrocks of national security, we will strengthen our defense capabilities in an attempt to expand the role we can fulfill."
Abe's statement was made in response to a remark made by Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) lawmaker Toranosuke Katayama during a House of Councillors session: "If, hypothetically, President Trump demands that Japan shoulder more defense costs, we should consider reviewing the proportion of defense expenditures against our GDP." Still, Abe added, "I will refrain from prejudging the Trump administration's position on Japan's share of defense expenses."
Read the full story at The Mainichi