QUESTION: My only question is about Japan’s constitution situation. As we know, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made no secret that he’s going to revise the Article 96 of Japan’s constitution. As we know, the constitution – Japan’s constitution was drafted by the United States after World War II. So in your opinion, does that suggest Japan is not satisfied with the rules set during that time? And does the U.S. support this action?
Well, I really refer you to the Japanese for anything about their constitution. But we have a deep and longstanding alliance with Japan, a relationship that’s based on shared values and mutual trust. And so that’s going to be true going forward, and I really refer you to the Japanese.
QUESTION: Do you support the revising of the constitution this time?
That’s a matter for the Japanese, internally, to look at.
QUESTION: And some critics believes that actually this is Abe’s first step towards changing the Article 9, which will help the Japanese Government to formalize a military. Also recently, Japanese Prime Minister Abe has made some comments, saying that the definition of aggression is not formally determined yet. Is the United States concerned about these developments?
Again, I really refer you to the Japanese for information on any of their internal issues. You’ve heard the President, you’ve heard the Secretary talk about our cornerstone alliance with the Japanese and how important it is, and so that’s true going forward.