JAPANESE leader Shinzo Abe has renewed his pledge to push for a revision to the country’s US-drafted constitution, in which he wants the military explicitly mentioned.
Speaking before 4000 troops, Abe said a revision is needed to give troops a sense of pride.
“You have gained public trust with your own hands,” Abe said in his address.
“Now it’s time to fulfil our responsibility as politicians to accommodate an environment where all Self-Defence Force can accomplish their duties with sense of pride.”
About 260 tanks, other vehicles and 40 warplanes were exhibited at the event.
Re-elected as head of his ruling party last month and with up to three more years as Japan’s leader, Abe is determined to pursue his long-sought charter amendment.
Many Japanese conservatives see Japan’s constitution as a humiliation imposed after their Second World War defeat.
Abe wants to add a clause to Article 9 of the constitution, which bans the use of force in settling international disputes. He wants to explicitly permit the existence of Japan’s military.
Opponents say a revision is unnecessary because the defence force is widely recognised as Japan’s military and its constitutionality is not an issue.
Two-thirds approval is needed in both houses to propose a revision, which would then be subject to a national referendum.
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