North Korea vehemently criticized the U.S.-Japan joint military exercise Resolute Dragon, claiming it’s a war drill aimed at Japan’s militarization and preparations for re-invasion.
On Monday, North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency published a scathing commentary titled, Reckless Actions of a Defeated Nation Eyeing Opportunities for Re-invasion. The piece asserted that Resolute Dragon is a meticulously planned combat simulation, arguing that Japan is using this exercise to steadily bolster its offensive capabilities.
Resolute Dragon, an annual joint training exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, kicked off on June 20 in Okinawa and Kyushu regions.
The news agency warned of the exercise’s escalating intensity, pointing out that the number of Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel involved has increased nearly tenfold since the initial drill. It also noted the expanded roles for Japanese forces, including reconnaissance missions. This year’s drills incorporate V-22 Osprey operations from U.S. bases in Okinawa and drone training inspired by lessons from the Ukraine conflict, which North Korea slammed as efforts to enhance modern warfare capabilities.
The commentary also took aim at Japan’s increased participation in joint air exercises with the U.S. near the Korean Peninsula this year, including February’s Iron Fist training, denouncing the growing U.S.-Japan military cooperation.
The agency emphasized Japan’s expanding military footprint, noting that this year marked a shift from mere observation to active participation in multinational military exercises, including the deployment of long-range strike capabilities.
North Korea accused Japan of leveraging its close military ties with the U.S. to justify its transformation into a war-ready nation, aiming to become the dominant power in Asia. The commentary concluded with a stark warning that Japan’s aggressive military posture would only lead to catastrophic consequences, urging restraint against such provocative actions.