North Korea Vows Revenge: Japan's Actions 'Open the Door' to Retaliation

North Korea strongly criticized Japan's recent defense reinforcements on Monday, warning that these actions could make Tokyo a target for powerful retaliation from neighboring countries.

Details of the Threat and Japanese Measures

• Source of Warning: The warning was issued in Monday's edition of the Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's most widely circulated newspaper.

• Criticized Japanese Measures: The newspaper cited Japanese actions such as:

  • The recent launch of the sixth Taigei-class attack submarine.

  • Mass production of an upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missile.

  • Other plans for defense build-up.

• Description of Japanese Weapons: The paper described these weapon systems as means for a "preemptive strike" whose ranges extend far beyond Japan to reach other countries.

• Accusing Japan: The newspaper called the development of these weapons a "dangerous" act by a "former war criminal state," according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.

Anticipated Consequence of Defense Build-up

The newspaper warned that Japan's defense build-up "will only serve to make the archipelago a common target for strong retaliation from neighboring countries." The daily also accused Japan of complicating and accelerating the regional security situation under the pretext of "threats" from neighbors, calling it a clear display of aggression.