North Korea criticizes Japan's planned defense spending increase

North Korea has issued a criticism of Japan's proposal to significantly increase its defense expenditures. According to the official Korean Central News Agency, a researcher at the Institute for Japan Studies stated that the move would darken the prospects of Japan's economic recovery and impose heavy hardships on its citizens.

The criticism follows reports that Tokyo is considering nearly doubling its defense spending over the next five years, with estimates suggesting a budget between 70 trillion yen and 80 trillion yen starting in April 2027. North Korean officials characterized the decision as an anachronistic calculation that could worsen the regional security situation and trigger an arms race.

This tension occurs as Japan shifts away from its traditional defense-oriented policy in response to increased military capabilities from China and North Korea, as well as growing cooperation between China, Russia, and North Korea.