North Korea has issued a scathing critique of Japan’s recent moves to expand its arms exports, declaring that the true face of militarism has been unmasked. The regime specifically targeted Japan’s efforts to lift restrictions on lethal weapons exports, accusing Tokyo of aiming to bolster its defense industry and set the stage for potential future aggression.
On March 10, North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released a commentary blasting the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party for their push to effectively remove the ban on exporting military equipment, including lethal weapons. The KCNA labeled this move as the essence of militarism, completely shedding the veil of defensive defense.
The commentary argued that Japan is seeking to abolish its current export criteria for defense equipment, which have been limited to disaster relief, transportation, and surveillance purposes. It warned that if these regulations are revised, Japan could potentially export offensive weapons such as fighter jets, destroyers, and submarines.
Raising alarm bells, the commentary highlighted that Japan has already inked defense equipment export and technology transfer agreements with 17 countries. This development, it claimed, could pave the way for Japan to provide arms to nations in conflict zones.
The statement also pointed out that while Japan has maintained a policy of not transferring even non-lethal equipment to parties involved in conflicts, there are indications that this restriction may soon be relaxed.
North Korea attributed this policy shift to Japan’s desire to strengthen its military capabilities and expand its defense industry. As Tokyo ramps up military spending and broadens its development and acquisition of offensive weapons, the regime argued, the Japanese defense sector is seeking new export markets and eyeing opportunities in overseas conflict areas.
The commentary further criticized Japan’s intentions, suggesting that through arms exports, Tokyo aims to gather operational data to enhance its weapons systems while simultaneously boosting its preemptive strike capabilities.
North Korea denounced Japan’s expansion of arms exports as a grave threat to global peace and security. It contended that this move would trigger an arms race among neighboring countries, escalate geopolitical tensions, and further destabilize the international landscape.
In conclusion, the regime condemned Japan for allegedly attempting to reorient its economic structure towards a military-industrial focus, accelerating militarization, and creating conditions conducive to potential future aggression. The commentary ominously warned that the path of re-invasion will only lead to destruction.