Abe to pledge Japan's defense contribution in Asia in first security summit speech

TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will outline his vision for Japan's defense role in regional security to promote peace and prosperity amid tension over China's growing assertiveness and maritime activity.

Abe will deliver a keynote speech Friday at the Asia Security Summit in Singapore, becoming a first Japanese leader to do so at the gathering.

Security is a sensitive topic for Japan, once an aggressor in Asia, to discuss in the region.

Abe's government is currently trying to ease constitutional restraints on Japan's military, which can be used only in its own self-defense. He says Japan's pacifist constitution restricts its global contribution.