North Korea condemns Japan’s military build-up: ‘Wrong and dangerous action’

North Korea on Tuesday denounced a Japanese military buildup outlined in a new security strategy, calling it dangerous and promising responses, while warning that another intercontinental ballistic missile test is imminent.

Last week, Japan announced its largest military buildup since World War II, as China, enemy North Korea and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine fueled war fears.

North Korea’s foreign ministry said it has effectively formalized Japan’s “preemptive strike capability” with its new strategy that will bring “radical” change to the East Asian security environment.

The ministry also criticized the United States for “conspiring and abetting Japan’s plan for rearmament and reoccupation”, saying the United States had no right to question North Korea’s defenses.

A spokesperson for the ministry said North Korea would express its displeasure at Japan’s move to highlight its “wrong and very dangerous” decision, warning of “an imminent shock”.

North Korea has tested an unprecedented number of missiles this year, including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), designed to hit the US mainland in defiance of international sanctions.

Many of the North Korean missiles flew over Japan or landed in waters close to the country and received reprimand from a staunch US ally.

In a separate statement, Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, hinted at a technological breakthrough in the ICBM system.