Japan’s military expansion once again drew fierce criticism from North Korea on Friday. Pyongyang accused Tokyo of plotting aggression under the cover of a newly released defense strategy. The statement came just days after Japan’s 2024 defense white paper called North Korea an “urgent threat.”
North Korea’s foreign ministry, through its Institute for Japan Studies, issued the condemnation via the Korean Central News Agency.The statement accused Japan of expanding its military to support U.S. hegemony in the Indo-Pacific. Officials described Japan’s white paper as a “war scenario” aimed at regional domination.
According to the statement, Japan grouped North Korea, Russia, and China as grave threats. It also raised alarm over possible military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including the transfer of missile or nuclear technologies.
Furthermore, the North claimed that Japan obsessed over rebuilding its offensive capabilities. They cited Tokyo’s development and purchase of long-range missiles. The statement suggested these moves were not temporary but marked a permanent shift in Japan’s defense strategy.
Additionally, the statement warned that Japan’s military expansion severely undermines peace and security across the region.It said the world cannot tolerate Japan’s transformation into a “military giant.”Officials accused Tokyo of turning the country into a launching pad for U.S. strategic goals.
North Korea argued that such policies confirmed the necessity of strengthening its own nuclear deterrence. Pyongyang said its weapons programs are essential for resisting external provocations and maintaining balance.
In a separate commentary, North Korean media criticized Japan’s joint project with the UK and Italy. The plan to build next-generation fighter jets was called an attempt to revive past war alliances. KCNA said the project signaled a desire to restore Japan’s imperial ambitions.
Overall, North Korea sees Japan’s military expansion as a serious threat. Pyongyang insists it will respond by reinforcing its defensive posture. With regional tensions rising, the dispute highlights growing security fractures in Northeast Asia.
