TOKYO: The Japanese government will consider whether to acquire an ability to attack foreign enemy bases pre-emptively to avoid being attacked with a missile, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday.

The topic will be discussed at the National Security Council as part of a review to the country's security strategy in summer following the government's decision to stop the deployment of the Aegis Ashore land-based missile defense system, Abe told a press conference.

Abe's remark is likely to stir controversy. The government's position has been that such a capability should not be possessed although it is acceptable under the Constitution.

"Tension is escalating on the Korean Peninsula. We must not create any hole in our country's national defense," Abe said.

"The shape of the security strategy and what we should do to enhance our deterrence and response capabilities will be thoroughly discussed this summer," Abe said. "We hope to set out new policies and implement them quickly."

Referring to calls for acquiring an ability to conduct pre-emptive attacks on enemy bases in his Liberal Democratic Party, Abe said, "We need to accept such opinions as well," expressing his eagerness to start related discussions in the government.

Abe also said now is the time to start shaping the country's future in the post-COVID era.

"New visions of our society and country will be discussed boldly," Abe said, adding that the government's Council on Investments for the Future will be expanded for talks on the matter from July.

The Diet, Japan's parliament, has closed without making progress in debates on Abe's long-held goal of amending the Constitution. He said it is "very regrettable" and that the entire Diet is responsible.

Abe expressed a wish to realize the constitutional amendment before the end of his term as the LDP's president in September 2021.

Meanwhile, Abe denied the possibility of extending his tenure as the LDP leader or seeking an additional term.

JIJI Press