Analyst says Japan’s white paper hides aggressive agenda, fuels regional tension

Japan’s latest defence white paper, released on 10 August, has been described by North Korean officials as a document that provides a legal basis for a “war machine”. International security commentator Kang Won‑chol, writing for KCNA and Rodong Sinmun, argued that the paper is presented at a time when Japan is rapidly moving toward re‑armament and aiming to become a full‑scale military power.

Kang warned that the paper unjustifiably labels North Korea a “serious and immediate threat”, a claim he says lacks substantive proof and serves only to legitimise Japan’s own reckless expansion. He further blamed Tokyo for denying its historic aggressions while simultaneously deepening its alliance with the United States and other partners, turning the narrative on its head.

Following the white paper’s publication, Defence Minister Shinzo Koizumi announced plans to further boost Japan’s military capabilities, reinforcing the analyst’s view that the nation is on a “dangerously speedy” path toward greater militarisation. Kang stressed that regardless of how Japan brands its actions as defensive, the reality is an increasing threat to peace and stability in the region.

In defence of its own military growth, North Korea maintained that strengthening its forces is essential to counter perceived hostile policies from surrounding states. The Japanese document, meanwhile, outlines goals such as incorporating drones, AI, and enhanced joint exercises with allied forces to address evolving security challenges.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry noted that North Korea’s criticism of Japan’s defence policy is a regular occurrence, though the frequency of such statements has risen alongside expanding trilateral cooperation between Seoul, Washington and Tokyo.