North Korea has condemned Japan’s recent announcement to conduct land-to-ship missile launch exercises on Japanese soil starting this June, accusing Japan of revealing its appetite for preemptive strikes against neighboring countries.
The ruling party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published a Korean Central News Agency commentary titled “What Does the Normalization of Missile Launch Drills in the Archipelago Imply?”
The piece argues that Japan’s plans to conduct land-to-ship missile launch training with its Ground Self-Defense Force around June signal a departure from its long-standing exclusively defense-oriented policy. It claims this move demonstrates Japan’s shift towards preparing for offensive operations within its territory.
The commentary also highlights the Japanese Defense Ministry’s declaration to extend the range of Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles to roughly 1,000 kilometers (approximately 621.4 miles) for potential strikes on enemy bases. It asserts that Japan’s pursuit of enemy base attack capabilities has progressed beyond mere discussion.
Furthermore, the article criticizes Japan’s recent establishment of a Joint Operations Command to integrate its Ground, maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces and the creation of the 8th Land-to-Ship Missile Regiment at Yufuin base in Kyushu. These actions, it contends, show Japan’s efforts to transform its Self-Defense Forces into an offensive, invasive military power.
The commentary alleges that Japan aims to normalize training for long-range strike capabilities under the guise of a deteriorating security environment. It suggests that Japan’s ultimate goal is continental invasion, with plans to launch surprise preemptive strikes against neighboring countries.
The piece warns that Asia-Pacific countries closely monitor Japan’s military maneuvers, viewing it as a former aggressor nation still clinging to its Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere ambitions. It cautions Japan against underestimating the situation, given its apparent readiness for preemptive strikes.
Japanese media, including public broadcaster NHK, report that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force previously conducted land-to-ship missile launch training overseas due to a lack of suitable domestic locations. However, starting this year, these exercises will occur at a firing range in Shinhidaka, Hokkaido, which faces the Pacific Ocean.