Abe Urges Missile Measures Amid 'Preemptive Strike Controversy'

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Kyodo News reported on the 11th that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is about to retire, urged the introduction of new missile measures, including the controversial "enemy base attack capability" for preemptive strikes.

On the same day, Prime Minister Abe issued a statement on security policy, saying, "By the end of this year, we will present the appropriate measures to respond to the severe security environment surrounding our country (Japan)."

In the statement, Abe revealed that North Korea possesses hundreds of ballistic missiles within range of Japan and has achieved miniaturization of nuclear weapons.

He explained that under these circumstances, there is a concern about whether the lives of the people and peaceful living can be protected, and that new security policy guidelines regarding "missile interception" have been reviewed to strengthen deterrence.

The enemy base attack capability refers to the ability to attack and destroy bases within enemy territory, such as ballistic missile launch facilities, using bombers or cruise missiles.

The concept is to defend Japan by destroying enemy missile launch facilities just before an enemy attack is executed. Depending on the operational method or the timing when it is judged that the enemy intends to attack, there is controversy that this could constitute a preemptive strike.

Considering that the next prime minister is scheduled to be elected at a special Diet session on the 16th of this month following Abe's resignation announcement, this statement is evaluated as a message urging the next cabinet.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.