North Korea has criticized Japan’s planned increase in defense
spending, warning that Tokyo’s record military budget could further
escalate tensions and instability in East Asia.
In a commentary published Saturday, North Korea’s state-run
Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Japan’s Defense Ministry
plans to request around 8.9 trillion yen ($56 billion) for fiscal
2027. The final allocation could rise to approximately 10 trillion
yen ($63 billion) during the budget approval process.
Pyongyang accused Tokyo of using concerns over regional security
threats to expand the capabilities of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces
and gradually transform them into what it described as “preemptive
attack forces.”
According to KCNA, Japan’s proposed defense spending includes
the development of underwater-launched hypersonic missiles, the
deployment of attack drones, the integration of artificial
intelligence into military command systems and the acquisition of
additional long-range missiles.
North Korea also criticized Japan’s procurement of long-range
strike weapons, including US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, arguing
that such acquisitions demonstrate Tokyo’s departure from its
postwar pacifist policy.
Japan’s planned spending forms part of its broader five-year
defense buildup program, which allocates 43 trillion yen ($270
billion) for fiscal 2023–2027.
Tokyo has steadily increased defense spending since adopting a
revised national security strategy in 2022, citing growing security
challenges posed by China, North Korea and Russia.
Japan’s expanding military capabilities have prompted concern
among some analysts that the buildup could contribute to a broader
arms race in East Asia. China has also repeatedly criticized
Japan’s increased defense spending and the expansion of its
long-range strike capabilities.
North Korea, meanwhile, c
AloJapan.com