North Korea says record-high Japan defence budget would risk ‘turmoil’

Seoul reports that North Korea has denounced Japan's plans to boost its defence budget, accusing Tokyo of preparing for an "aggressive war." Japan, in a gradual shift from its post-World War II pacifism, is seeking a record-high defence budget of ¥8.9 trillion (US$56 billion) for the upcoming fiscal year, according to NHK and other media.

This significant increase is seen by Pyongyang as a dangerous escalation in military spending that will bring instability to the region and beyond. The North Korean state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that such a massive military build-up is intended to prepare for an aggressive war. Meanwhile, the United States, a long-standing ally of Japan and South Korea, is also pursuing engagement with North Korea.

President Trump's decision to scale back annual military drills with South Korea has caused concern among allies about US commitments to security in East Asia. North Korea's ally China has recently expressed alarm over Japan's growing military assertiveness. In response to these developments, Japan's defence ministry has affirmed its commitment to maintaining a peaceful nation, despite lifting the self-imposed ban on weapons exports and expanding defence spending in line with its post-war pacifist constitution.