Japan passes record budget, security law takes effect

Apr 1, 2016 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently moved to defended loosening the limits of Japan’s pacifist constitution on its military.

Speaking at a news conference, Abe said the law is expedient given the harsh global security conditions.

“The security situation surrounding our nation is getting harsher and harsher. I think many people may also have felt that even this year. Right now, around the world, no nation can protect itself alone. So this security law helps create a stronger deterrent and prevents wars before they happen,”

According to surveys, the populace is still divided over the security legislations, which will allow Japanese troops to fight overseas for the first time since the Second World War.

Critics have however said the change violates the pacifist constitution and increases the risk of involvement in foreign wars.

Abe also moved to defend the US-Japan Alliance said:

“Whoever becomes the next president of the United States, the US-Japan Alliance is (still) key to our foreign policy, and I believe we will cooperate closely with the United States to ensure the peace and security of the Asia Pacific region and the world,”