Sputnik

Russia will take action if Japan revises its pacifist constitution to acquire a preemptive strike capability, Alexander Venediktov, the deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council, told Sputnik.

Japan’s ruling party has recommended the move to the National Security Council as a cheaper alternative to the Aegis Ashore missile shield. The change in the country’s post-war constitution will allow it to hit missile launch pads abroad, in what will be a radical shift in its defense posture.

“We are alarmed by the debate in the Japanese society about whether Tokyo should abandon the pacifist principles enshrined in the country’s basic law and acquire the capability to launch preventive strikes abroad,” Venediktov said.

The proposal has reportedly been made in response to North Korea’s ballistic missile prowess, but Venediktov said Japan’s drive for attack capability “should give food for thought not only to us but also to our Chinese partners.”

Click here to read the full article.