Shinzo Abe’s attempts to push forward security reforms may have suffered a setback after MPs from his ruling party demanded changes to a crucial defence white paper, according to people close to the matter.
The proposed changes are understood to centre on the strategic threat posed to Japan by China, with Liberal Democratic party MPs insisting the document include more images showing its neighbour’s island-building spree in disputed South China Sea waters — a project dubbed the “Great Wall of Sand” by US military leaders.
The setback is a blow to Mr Abe, prime minister, who is facing a growing public backlash against his security reform policies.