Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the decision by the Cabinet to adjust the interpretation from one that limited the armed forces to defending Japan was necessary because of regional changes. The decision allows Japan’s forces to help protect U.S. ships that may come under attack in nearby waters, Abe said.

Realistically, it remains to be seen because we don’t know how it’s going to be implemented. China respects power. – James E. Auer, director of the James E. Auer U.S.-Japan Center.

“This will be a deterrent,” he said during a news conference. “The basic thinking on how the constitution is presently interpreted will not change because of the Cabinet decision that was made.”