TOKYO - Japan's Defense Minister Tomomi Inada suggested on Thursday that it may be legally possible for Japanese troops to acquire the capability to conduct preemptive strikes against enemy bases.

Inada made the remarks in a House of Representatives Committee meeting on security when asked on how Japanese troops deal with launches of ballistic missiles against it from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Inada said that in line with Japanese and international law, Japan would "consider various measures", although added that Tokyo was not currently considering giving its forces the capability of making such strikes.

Inada did say, however, that giving Japanese troops the capability and conducting preemptive strikes is "legally possible".

Under Article 9 of the Constitution, Japan is not allowed to maintain any means of land, sea or air war potential or use war as a means of settling international disputes. Japan's Constitution also decrees that the Japanese people forever renounce war.

Thursday's discussions come on the heels of the DPRK launching four missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Monday.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, for his part, has been looking into acquiring enemy-base strike camps, stating in a Diet Committee meeting on Jan 26 that Japan should consider becoming more independent in terms of its own military defense.

A study group from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan led by Abe is looking into the feasibility of acquiring this capability.

Separately, the lower house on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution protesting the DPRK's latest missile launch.

The resolution said the launch represents a new stage of threat and is a clear provocation against the international community.

Xinhua