TOKYO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday called for increased diplomacy rather than the use of force in dealing with the current situation regarding rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Abe's remarks were made at a lower house parliamentary committee as tensions on the Korean Peninsula have heightened of late.
In response to how Japan is planning to protect the nation and its people if a provocative act were to occur, Abe said although Pyongyang may be showing its military might and capabilities, peace must be maintained through diplomatic efforts.
During a military parade on Saturday, the DPRK showcased a wide array of missiles and military hardware and a day earlier Pyongyang attempted to launch a ballistic missile, informed Japanese sources here have said.
But Abe said serious dialogue with the DPRK's leadership would be indispensable in preventing an escalation in hostilities.
Abe said his government would continue to work closely with the United States, South Korea and Russia, as well as China, in a bid to deescalate tensions in the region.
