Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pandering to the extreme right may lead his nation down a dangerous path, said an article in People's Daily (excerpts below).

Abe's nationalism and militarism is putting Japan under the international spotlight.

Abe has not solved the country's deep-rooted economic problems and since he took office last year Japan has acted mischievously in the region.

Japan is using the pivot by the United States to build up its military presence in the region. Amending Japan's pacifist constitution has always been central to Abe's scheme.

Japan's future is decided not only by the specific strategy of politicians but also whether Japanese leaders care about peace and development and historical issues.