North Korea Criticizes US-Japan Alliance as Nuclear Threat

North Korea's Response to US-Japan Military Cooperation

Seoul, Aug 1: North Korea has expressed strong disapproval of the alliance between the United States and Japan, labeling it a menacing "nuclear coalition" that justifies its own military enhancements.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) conveyed this stance through an article penned by a North Korean analyst specializing in international affairs. The piece referenced the elevation of US-Japan discussions on extended deterrence to a ministerial level last year, along with the recent reaffirmation of their deterrence strategies.

Extended deterrence signifies the US's commitment to employing its full military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to safeguard its allies, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

North Korea pointed to a recent visit by Japanese officials to a base housing US B-52 strategic bombers and the execution of joint military exercises simulating nuclear scenarios.

According to the article, this indicates that the US-Japan military partnership is evolving into a perilous "nuclear alliance," with accusations directed at Japan for allegedly seeking to "embark on the road of invasion ... with US support."

It further claimed that the US is exacerbating regional tensions by positioning nuclear strategic assets at naval and air bases in Hawaii, Guam, and Japan, while conducting joint military drills with its "junior allies."

The article also criticized Japan for its efforts to confront nuclear powers through its alliance with the US, labeling this as "an extremely dangerous attempt" that could lead to a "nuclear disaster for the world."

"It is crucial to recognize that Japan is ... effectively making it clear that the target of the US-Japan nuclear alliance is none other than the DPRK and other neighboring nations," the article asserted.

DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which is North Korea's official designation.

The article concluded by stating that these developments validate North Korea's efforts to enhance its "self-defensive" capabilities, aimed at maintaining regional stability and protecting its territory from the "growing threats posed by enemy nations," which it deems as "entirely justified."