North Korea has sharply criticised Japan’s efforts to revise its key security legislation, accusing Tokyo of pursuing “reckless militaristic acts” and attempting to transform itself into a “war state,” according to state media.
In an article published by Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, Pyongyang claimed that Japan was seeking to revive “the Empire of Japan” and had “exploited the good will of the international community to revive militarism," Yonhap reports.
The criticism comes as Japan moves to update its three core defence documents—the National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy, and Defence Buildup Programme—within the year. The planned revisions are widely viewed as part of Tokyo’s response to China’s expanding military presence in the region and other emerging security challenges.
“If Japan attempts yet another invasion, it will bring about consequences far more devastating to itself than in the past,” the article warned.
The latest statement follows earlier criticism from Pyongyang earlier this month, when it described Japan’s security policy shift as “a brazen challenge to global peace and humanity.”
By Sabina Mammadli
