The Russian Foreign Ministry would like to avoid hasty judgment of Japanese government's move to invoke the right to exercise collective self-defense, said a commentary by spokesman Alexander Lukashevich posted on the ministry's website.
He said everything would depend on further practical moves by the Japanese government. "We will be closely following the activity of the Cabinet of Shinzo Abe, including within the framework of the concept of 'active pacifism' it declared in December 2013," the diplomat said.
"Japan must realize that security issues are sensitive for its neighbors in the region that expect Tokyo to pursue a peaceful foreign policy, demonstrate restraint in issues of military activity, recognize in full the results of World War II, and not to allow attempts to whitewash crimes of Japanese militarism," the commentary said.
On July 1, the Japanese Cabinet of Ministers approved changes to Article 9 of the Japanese constitution, which does not recognize Japan's right to waging wars, prohibits the creation of armed forces and any other means of waging a war.
Under the new interpretation, Japan can use national self-defense Forces abroad in case any of Tokyo's allies comes under attackб as well as send military for participation in peacekeeping operations.