North Korea’s recent test firing of a missile over northern Japan has officials in Tokyo rethinking the country’s long tradition of pacifism.
Some Japanese leaders say it's time for a new approach to national defense, one that can include limited pre-emptive strike capabilities and the purchase of additional missiles.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the government considered developing a pre-emptive strike policy earlier this year. But facing no immediate threats, the taboo debate quickly faded amid several domestic government scandals.
Then on Tuesday, North Korea fired a missile over Japan -- and reignited Tokyo's conversation about defense.
"Should we possess pre-emptive strike capability?" the liberal-leaning Mainichi newspaper asked Wednesday, the day after the missile test. "But isn't it too reckless to jump to discuss a 'get them before they get you' approach?"
Read more ....
Update: Japan Debates Pre-emtive Strike, Defense Boost Amid North Korea Threat (RCD/AP)
WNU Editor: Not going to happen (i.e. Japan launching a preemptive strike). But as to the Japanese debate on increasing the defence budget and the capabilities of the Japanese military .... the critics and opponents have been "neutered" by North Korea's belligerent actions.
