Japan Is Changing It's Military Doctrine From A Defensive Posture To That Of Having An Offensive Military Capability

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) reviews Japanese Self-Defence Forces' (SDF) troops during the annual SDF ceremony at Asaka Base in Asaka, near Tokyo, in this October 27, 2013 file photo. Credit: Reuters/Issei Kato/Files

Exclusive: Japan, U.S. Discussing Offensive Military Capability For Tokyo - Japan Officials -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Japan and the United States are exploring the possibility of Tokyo acquiring offensive weapons that would allow Japan to project power far beyond its borders, Japanese officials said, a move that would likely infuriate China.

While Japan's intensifying rivalry with China dominates the headlines, Tokyo's focus would be the ability to take out North Korean missile bases, said three Japanese officials involved in the process.

They said Tokyo was holding the informal, previously undisclosed talks with Washington about capabilities that would mark an enhancement of military might for a country that has not fired a shot in anger since its defeat in World War Two.

Read more ....

My Comment: This is a seismic shift in Japanese defense policy .... and one that I am sure that it's neighbors (primarily China) are not going to be happy with.