Japan defence minister calls for end to pacifist posture

Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has told the BBC that the country must revisit the pacifist posture it has held since World War Two, calling the shift 'critical' to preventing future conflict. Koizumi argued that Japan's current stance is no longer sufficient to deter aggression in an increasingly volatile region. The remarks come amid growing security concerns over China's military expansion and North Korea's missile program, and as Japan deepens its alliance with the United States under President Donald Trump.