(VOVworld) – The US welcomed Japan’s historic decision, which re-interpreted article 9 in Japan’s constitution to enable Japan to implement its right of collective self-defense.

Former US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta addresses U.S. and Japanese troops stationed on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2011. (Photo: US Defense Department)

Marie Harf, a US Deputy Spokesperson, said on Tuesday that Washington had been watching closely and took great interest in the new changes in Japan’s national defense and security policies. Harf insisted that the Japanese alliance was one of the US’s most important security partnerships and praised Tokyo’s efforts in contributing to this alliance.
Ben Rhodes, a US Deputy national security adviser, said that Japan’s security policy changes were a great advance in the allied ties. Rhodes said Japan’s collective right to self-defense would contribute remarkably to stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region, if it was conducted in the manner of transparency along with consultations with other neighboring countries.
The Republic of Korea Foreign Ministry said that it would not accept Japan’s implementation of its collective self-defense right if it was not consulted, urging Tokyo to ensure regional stability and security. China said that Tokyo needed to avoid actions that Beijing considered as threatening stability in the Asia-Pacific region.