Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has reconvened a government policy advisory panel on security issues to review the move to reinterpret the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution so Japan can exercise collective self-defense.
Noting recent global power shifts and the changing security environment in the East and South China seas amid China's growing military assertiveness, Abe told the panel Friday that he wants to look at ways in which Tokyo can contribute to peace and stability in the region.
"I want to consider what Japan can do to make the security alliance with the United States more effective," Abe said at the start of the meeting.