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

North Korea has condemned Japan’s proposed record-high defense budget, warning that such moves could provoke regional instability and threaten global peace. The statement came from Pyongyang’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which accused Tokyo of preparing for a “war of aggression” as part of its growing alignment with the United States. This comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving U.S. President Donald Trump, who has signaled openness to direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Japanese officials have reportedly submitted a defense budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year amounting to 8.9 trillion yen ($56 billion), according to reports from domestic broadcasters including NHK. If approved, this would mark a significant increase over previous years and represent the highest level of military spending since World War II. The budget includes provisions for enhanced naval capabilities, expanded air defenses, and increased troop readiness, reflecting a broader shift in Japan’s strategic posture. Pyongyang’s response highlights deep historical grievances tied to Japan’s imperial past. During World War II, Japan occupied the entire Korean Peninsula until its defeat in 1945, leading to the division of the country along the 38th parallel. Both North and South Korea continue to view Japan’s evolving military policies through the lens of this history, with North Korea particularly sensitive to any perceived threat or revision of Tokyo’s pacifist stance. In recent months, Japan has taken several steps toward reducing its post-war constraints on military activity. These include lifting a decades-old ban on arms exports, increasing defense spending, and updating its national security strategy to address rising tensions with China. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government has emphasized the need for stronger alliances with the United States and South Korea, especially as Beijing expands its military presence in the region. Despite these developments, Japanese officials have maintained that their actions are defensive in nature. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi reiterated this position during a visit to a shrine honoring Japan’s war dead, stating that the government remains committed to maintaining its role as a peaceful nation. However, his comments did little to ease concerns among neighboring countries, particularly North Korea, which views any increase in Japanese military capability as a provocation. The situation has added complexity to existing U.S.-led security arrangements in the region. President Trump has announced plans to reduce the frequency of joint military exercises with South Korea, a decision that has raised questions about American reliability as a security partner. At the same time, Trump has indicated a willingness to engage directly with North Korea, potentially altering the dynamics of negotiations and regional stability. China, a close ally of North Korea, has voiced similar concerns about Japan’s military build-up, describing it as a form of “new militarism.” Beijing has urged Tokyo to reconsider its approach, emphasizing the risks of escalating tensions in a region already marked by historical conflicts and geopolitical rivalries. This perspective aligns with North Korea’s own warnings, reinforcing the notion that Japan’s defense policies are viewed as destabilizing by multiple actors in the region. As discussions continue, the outcome of Japan’s proposed defense budget remains uncertain. While the plan has not yet been finalized, the implications of its approval could reshape the balance of power in Northeast Asia. With North Korea, China, and the United States each playing critical roles in the region’s security architecture, the coming months will likely see heightened scrutiny of Japan’s strategic direction and its impact on international relations.