North Korea has issued a stern warning of adopting additional military measures, viewing Japan’s growing military capabilities as a serious threat to its security. North Korean leader Kim Yo Jong accused Japan of abandoning its pacifist policies and transforming into a “war state.” Following Japan’s increase in defense budget and deployment of missile systems, North Korea condemned these actions as a danger to regional peace. (20 Saun, Seoul)
North Korea criticized Japan for its rapid military expansion, interpreting it as a significant challenge to its own security and warning of additional military options if necessary. In a statement released Wednesday, Kim Yo Jong alleged that Japan is moving away from its post-World War II pacifist stance towards becoming a “war state,” and stated Pyongyang would not be provoked by Japan’s military activities.
In a statement issued by the North Korean state news agency KCNA, Kim accused Japan of increasing military spending, expanding defense cooperation, deploying missile systems on its outlying islands, and advancing capabilities for preemptive strikes. She highlighted Japan’s recent tests of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles and participation in US-led joint military exercises in the Philippines as examples of intensified military activity in the Pacific region.
Her remarks came after Japan’s defense minister released a new security assessment report on Tuesday, which highlighted rising security challenges from China, Russia, and North Korea, and emphasized the urgent need to strengthen defense capabilities. Kim asserted that Japan’s military build-up could seriously impact regional peace and stability and stated that North Korea is continuously monitoring such developments.
