Abe Shinzo, Japan’s prime minister, has now held his sixth meeting with Donald Trump. The Trump administration supports Abe’s idea of a “normal” Japan that will take on increasing military responsibilities, particularly in containing North Korea and China.

Using his recent election win to focus on restoring Japan’s military would be abusing the mandate sanctioned through the democratic process. The election was won on economic issues and fears, and that should be the prime minister’s top priority.

Seven decades after it surrendered to the Allied Forces, it is time for Japan to re-Asianize and come into its own as a fully sovereign nation.

Japan’s Constitution hasn’t been changed in 68 years, and prevents its military from staging rescue missions and other overseas operations. Brahma Chellaney encourages Japanese constitutional reform, with U.S. support, to act as a military balance in East Asia.

Prime Minister Abe’s reinterpretation of the Peace Constitution is partially the result of US pressure for Japan to contribute more to the alliance. Although, a more nuanced explanation is Abe’s realization that the United States would likely not risk war with China over territorial disputes and so he has taken the first step towards an independent defense posture for Japan.

The Japanese constitution is at a crossroads, writes Liu Jiangyong. A revision would not only affect the Sino-Japanese relationship, but the Japan-U.S. alliance will also face new options.