North Korea Accuses Japan of Preparing for Aggressive War Amid Defense Budget Surge

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, North Korea on Saturday accused Japan of preparing for aggressive war, criticizing the reported plans for a substantial increase in Tokyo’s defense budget. Pyongyang stated that this move clearly indicates a dangerous escalation in war spending that will bring new turmoil to the region and the world.

Japan has been gradually moving away from its post-World War II pacifist stance, increasing military expenditures, strengthening defense pacts, and deploying missile launchers on its outer islands. NHK and other media outlets reported this week that Japan’s Ministry of Defense is now seeking an unprecedented budget of 8.9 trillion yen ($56 billion) for the upcoming fiscal year.

An commentary published by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang stated that the budget request will once again break all previous records. KCNA further reported that this massive increase in military spending will lead to the enhancement of military power to complete preparations for offensive war. The United States, a long-standing ally of Japan and South Korea, is simultaneously seeking engagement with Pyongyang, with U.S. President Donald Trump reducing annual military drills with Seoul, citing engagement with North Korea. Trump has also claimed he will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this year. China, a key ally of North Korea, has recently expressed concern over Japan’s renewed militarization.