TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday that his country needs to bolster its security posture amid threats from North Korea and should consider acquiring preemptive strike capability after having to scrap the planned deployment of two new land-based missile defense systems. Abe said he wants to redefine the meaning of deterrence in the face of the threat from North Korea and its advancement in missile technology. “We should renew our discussion of adequate deterrence we need, considering North Korea’s missile technology that has advanced since the time we introduced our missile defense systems,” he said. Abe said that should include the capability to conduct preemptive strikes within the limitations set by the country's pacifist constitution.

Source: International New York Times June 18, 2020 14:48 UTC