N. Korea denounces Japan's record defense budget as 'war preparation'

Seoul, Aug. 22 - North Korea has vehemently denounced Japan's plan to set a record-high defense budget for the upcoming fiscal year, describing it as a prelude to a "war of aggression." This condemnation comes as Japan's defense ministry announced a budget request of 8.9 trillion yen (approximately US$60 billion) for the next fiscal year, with the final budget expected to reach around 10 trillion yen by year-end, according to foreign media reports.

The North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) cited a commentary in the Rodong Sinmun, the country's most widely read newspaper, stating that the significant increase in military spending will result in an arms buildup aimed at preparing for a war of aggression. The North also criticized Japan for acquiring U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles despite its national debt reaching a record high of 1,343 trillion yen at the end of the previous year.

The KCNA emphasized that Japan's spending is not aimed at building a peaceful state, but rather a "vicious militaristic nature of aggression and war" under the guise of defense.