(VOVworld) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for a review of limitations on the right of “collective self-defense”, which could give Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) greater freedom in overseas conflicts.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) is looking to expand the role of Japan's Self-Defense Forces. (Photo: AP)

Addressing a press conference Thursday, Abe said that amid the escalating tensions in North and Southeast Asia, Japan needs to change the interpretation of its constitution to permit the use of “collective self-defense”, permitting Japan’s troops to aid its allies, even if Japan is not attacked. Abe insisted that Japan is committed to peace and will not be a warmonger.