North Korea has warned it could adopt “additional military options” in response to Japan’s growing military capabilities, following Tokyo’s recent test launch of a U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile.
In a statement carried by state media KCNA on Wednesday, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Japan of abandoning its defensive military posture and developing forces capable of launching pre-emptive strikes and overseas operations.
Kim cited Japan’s recent Tomahawk missile test from the Aegis destroyer Chokai in the Pacific Ocean, along with other missile tests and its participation in a U.S.-led joint military exercise in the Philippines in May.
She warned that North Korea would respond in ways that would make Japan “regret” its actions and feel that its own security had become more vulnerable.
Kim also accused the United States of fuelling Japan’s military expansion by supplying Tomahawk missiles, modifying Japanese warships to deploy them, and supporting missile tests.
“The U.S. is behind such dangerous military moves of Japan,” she said.
According to Kim, Japan’s acquisition of long-range strike capabilities places North Korea and other neighbouring countries within its attack range.
She said Pyongyang would introduce “additional military options” to counter what it views as potential security threats posed by Japan, although she did not provide further details.
The statement is the latest in a series of North Korean criticisms directed at growing security cooperation between the United States, Japan and South Korea.
Since July, North Korean state media has published multiple commentaries condemning the three countries’ joint military activities, claiming they threaten regional stability and increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Analysts believe Pyongyang is using Japan’s military modernisation to justify its own weapons development and strengthen domestic support for future military programmes.
Experts also said Kim’s remarks could signal preparations for further military demonstrations, including missile launches or displays of advanced naval strike capabilities.
