Abe appeals to actively debate on collective self-defense

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed Thursday to beef up Japan's defense capability and actively debate on the rights of collective self-defense.

Abe, together with Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, made speeches to senior Defense Ministry officials and Self-Defense Forces personnel earlier in the morning.

"We will consider and pursue where Japan should stand in global affairs in the 21st century," said the prime minister, "Japan needs to face reality and rebuild our security framework."

Abe, who had reviewed a guard of honor with Onodera earlier that day, also expressed his eagerness to advance the national debate on lifting a self-imposed ban on collective self-defense.

The hawkish leader is aiming to change the current interpretation of the U.S.-drafted Constitution so that Japan can come to the aid of its ally in case of an armed attack.

For decades Japan has refrained from exercising the right to collective self-defense, in keeping with Article 9 of the Constitution which forbids the use of force to settle international disputes.