Abe prioritizes his push for constitutional reform in New Year's statement

아베, 6년만에 연두소감서 '개헌' 이슈 다시 꺼내

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has reiterated his commitment to prioritize the amendment of Japan's post-war pacifist Constitution.
Our Park Hee-jun has the details. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed to promote major reforms to build a new era in Japan,... specifically pointing to the need for constitutional revision.
While highlighting the need for reforms ranging from education to social security in his New Year's statement on Wednesday,... Abe said constitutional reform is his top priority.
Throughout his time in power, Abe has been pushing to enhance Japan's defense capabilities,... increasing defense spending by at least 10 percent since he was elected.
But the conservative leader has yet to accomplish his main mission to amend Japan's post-war, pacifist constitution,... particularly Article 9, in which Japan denounces war and prohibits its military forces being deployed in overseas conflicts.
Mentioning it for the first time since 2014,... Abe is seen to have re-declared his commitment,... with his term set to expire in September 2021.
Regarding Japan's diplomacy, Abe said he will confront the turbulent changes in international affairs and open a new line of diplomacy.
He added that he will protect the country's seas, territory and airspace,... and continually correct Japan's security policies, rather than being bound to convention.
His remarks come amid territorial disputes with neighboring countries, including South Korea and China.
Abe also expressed his hope for the successful hosting of this year's Toyko Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
He said he hopes it will be a wonderful event that excites children and allows them to dream about the future.
Park Hee-jun, Arirang News.

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