LEAD: Abe hoping to review issue of collective self-defense
Shinzo Abe, the front-runner in the Liberal Democratic Party presidential race, said Friday he wants to set up a new section in the government to consider if Japan can exercise the right to collective self-defense on specific occasions.
He also said in a news program of public broadcaster NHK that the government has already started studying in which cases Japan may be allowed to exercise it.
Under the current government interpretation, Japan cannot take action to defend an ally even when the ally is under attack.
Abe, the chief Cabinet secretary, said, however, ”It is necessary to review the current interpretation so Japan will be able to defend itself and play its roles in the world.”
Citing as an example a case in which a U.S. vessel traveling side by side with a Japanese one in international waters is attacked, Abe said, ”Is it possible for Japan to turn a blind eye to the U.S. ship under attack?”
His comments came after he officially filed his candidacy for the Sept. 20 LDP leadership election, together with Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki and Foreign Minister Taro Aso.
Abe also showed his willingness to visit Asian countries first if he becomes prime minister, while suggesting he may raise the consumption tax in fiscal 2009 to boost the government’s share of contributions to the basic pension.