Kim Yo Jong Warns Japan Over Military Build-Up, Signals New Military Options

North Korea has warned Japan that it could face new military responses after Tokyo recently test-fired U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, with Kim Yo Jong accusing Japan of abandoning its post-war defensive military stance.

In a statement carried by state media KCNA, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Pyongyang would consider “additional military options” in response to Japan’s expanding military capabilities.

Pyongyang Criticises Japan’s Military Expansion

Kim Yo Jong accused Japan of transforming its Self-Defense Forces into a military capable of launching pre-emptive strikes and overseas operations.

She pointed to Japan’s recent Tomahawk missile test from the destroyer Chokai, along with other missile launches and its participation in U.S.-led military exercises in the Philippines earlier this year.

Kim warned that North Korea would respond in ways that would make Japan “regret” its actions and feel its own security had become more vulnerable.

U.S. Also Blamed

Kim also criticised the United States, accusing Washington of encouraging Japan’s military build-up by supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles, modifying Japanese naval vessels and supporting missile tests.

She argued that Japan’s acquisition of long-range strike capabilities places North Korea and other neighbouring countries within attack range.

Possible Future Military Moves

Although Kim did not specify what “additional military options” would involve, analysts say the remarks could lay the groundwork for future missile launches or other military demonstrations.

Experts believe Pyongyang is portraying Japan’s defence modernisation as a direct threat to justify expanding its own weapons programmes.

The statement is the latest in a series of North Korean criticisms targeting growing security cooperation between the United States, Japan and South Korea.

(with inputs from Reuters)