1. The Japanese government previously interpreted its Constitution in a way that banned the exercise of the right to collective self-defense. Today, the Japanese Cabinet made a decision to change such interpretation, thereby allowing the exercise of the right in a limited way. In this regard, the Government of the Republic of Korea considers such decision as a significant change in Japan’s defense and security policies, which have been based on its post-war pacifist Constitution. The ROK government will continue to keep a close eye on relevant developments.

2. In drawing up details for the exercise of the right to collective self-defense through follow-up legislative process, the Japanese government, while upholding the basic spirit of its more than 60-year-old pacifist Constitution and within the framework of the US-Japan alliance, should be transparent in its efforts and should not undermine regional peace and stability.

3. In particular, with regard to Japan’s possible exercise of its right to collective self-defense, the ROK government makes clear once again that it will never tolerate any exercise of such right without the ROK’s request or consent on matters that can affect the security of the Korean Peninsula or national interests of the ROK.

4. In terms of defense and security issues, the Japanese government should renounce historical revisionism and take right actions in order to dispel doubts and concerns stemming from historical issues and to win the trust from its neighboring countries. 


                Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation