Japan's PM warns China on use of force

Japan is ready to counter China if it resorts to force in the pursuit of its geopolitical interests, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in an interview published Saturday.

"I've realized that Japan is expected to exert leadership not just on the economic front, but also in the field of security in the Asia-Pacific," Abe told the Wall Street Journal, speaking after a series of summits this month with regional leaders.

He said Japan had become too inward-looking over the past 15 years, but as it regains economic strength "we'd like to contribute more to making the world a better place."

The Journal said he made clear one way Japan would "contribute" would be countering China in Asia.

"There are concerns that China is attempting to change the status quo by force, rather than by rule of law. But if China opts to take that path, then it won't be able to emerge peacefully," Abe said.

"So it shouldn't take that path, and many nations expect Japan to strongly express that view. And they hope that as a result, China will take responsible action in the international community."