Pyongyang, North Korea—North Korea has strongly condemned Japan’s plans to bolster its defense and military capabilities,
saying Tokyo is taking a dangerous path that threatens security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
The official Korean Central News Agency described it in a sharply worded statement,
A Japanese move aimed at justifying new armaments under the pretext of “self-defense.”
Stressing that Pyongyang “will not stand idly by in the face of any move
that would bring back the specter of war to the region.”
The statement added that the military alliance between Japan
and the United States poses a direct threat to Japan’s neighbors.
Especially North Korea, China and Russia,
Pointing out that Tokyo’s policies “reflect premeditated aggressive intentions
that go beyond the limits of legitimate defense.”
For its part, Japan says its plan aims to confront growing threats in the region.
Especially from North Korea’s missile programs,
But at the same time, it affirms its commitment to
the principle of peacefulness stipulated in its constitution.
Observers believe that this verbal escalation between the two sides portends
a new phase of tension in East Asia.
This is in light of the accelerating arms race and shifting alliances between the major powers.
