North Korea Condemns Japan's 2026 Defense White Paper

The Government of North Korea condemned Japan's 2026 Defense White Paper, labeling the document "reinvasion-minded" and an attempt to legalize the operation of a "war machine." In a commentary published by the Korean Central News Agency, Pyongyang accused Tokyo of attempting to negate past crimes and pursuing ambitions to become a military power through its alliance with the United States.

Pyongyang specifically criticized Japan for describing North Korea as its "greatest strategic challenge" and a "serious and imminent threat," arguing these labels are used to justify a "reckless arms buildup." The North Korean government called on the international community to remain vigilant against what it termed a "neo-militarist move" to destroy regional peace and security.

The diplomatic dispute escalated after Japan test-fired a U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile. Kim Yo-jong warned of "additional military options" in response to Japan's military transformation. Shortly after this warning, North Korea test-fired a short-range ballistic missile into the sea between the two nations as a direct warning to Tokyo. This follows a period of heightened tension in which North Korea issued at least seven statements against Japanese defense policy since July.