N. Korea denounces Japan's record defense budget as 'war preparation'
North Korea on Saturday condemned Japan's plan to set a record-high defense budget for next year, calling it a move to prepare for a "war of aggression" and threatening to "counterattack thoroughly" with united strength. The condemnation came as Japan's defense ministry on Wednesday set its budget request for the next fiscal year at a record 8.9 trillion yen ($60 billion), with the final budget…
In a stern rebuke, North Korea denounced Japan's announcement of its record-setting defense budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) labeled the move as a threat of aggression and vowed to respond with "thorough counterattack with united strength." Japan's defense ministry had announced a budget request of 8.9 trillion yen ($60 billion) for the next fiscal year, with the final budget expected to reach approximately 10 trillion yen upon completion.
The North's KCNA, citing a commentary from Rodong Sinmun, the country's leading newspaper, emphasized that the substantial increase in military spending would result in an arms race aimed at finalizing preparations for an aggressive war. The North Korean statement asserted that the international community would never accept the military buildup of a state descended from a war criminal and would counteract it with a united front.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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