Japan warned on Friday that North Korea posed a greater threat to its national security than ever before, as nuclear-armed Pyongyang rattles its neighbors with missile tests and hostile rhetoric.
Japan’s defence ministry argued for a major increase in domestic defence spending as the world enters a new era of crisis in its annual white paper, a breakdown of the most important military challenges and preparations to safeguard stability.
While the white paper focused heavily on China’s expanding military strength and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, North Korea was also mentioned as a big issue for Japan.
“North Korea’s military activities pose an even more grave and imminent threat to Japan’s national security than ever before”, the document reads.
It further stated, “It is believed that North Korea has the ability to attack Japan with nuclear weapons fitted to ballistic missiles”.
The white paper, endorsed by the cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday morning, comes as North Korea ramps up the frequency of its missile tests.
North Korean state media published photos of Kim Jong Un showing Russia’s defence minister the country’s most advanced weaponry, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and previously unseen military drones on Thursday.
Russia, another longstanding North Korea ally, is one of only a few countries with which Pyongyang retains friendly relations.
Kim Jong Un has been unwavering in his backing for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, including, sending rockets and missiles, which Pyongyang denies.
Pyongyang’s numerous weapons tests, the most recent of which occurred on Monday, come as Tokyo, Seoul, and Washington step up military cooperation to counter the North’s expanding nuclear threats and China’s regional dominance.
According to the white paper, China’s military activities offer an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge to Japan, while joint military maneuvers with Russia are also a source of concern.
China regularly deploys government ships to disputed islands with Tokyo, while also conducting naval drills in international waters including in the Pacific, causing concern in Japan and neighboring countries.
Beijing has not condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and many leading democracies are concerned that China may also move to aggressively take over Taiwan.
In a statement, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada stated, “The international community is facing its greatest trial since World War II and we have entered a new era of crisis”.
The white paper reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to increase military budget and capacity.
For decades, Japan has kept military spending to roughly one percent of GDP.
However, Kishida’s government approved a plan late last year to expand defence spending to two percent of GDP by the fiscal year 2027, to roughly 11 trillion yen ($78.7 billion).
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