A North Korean military commentator warned that Japan’s missile activity and joint drills with the United States could heighten regional tensions, according to an article carried by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The Korea Herald reported that a Type 25 surface-to-ship guided missile launcher deployed by Japan’s Ground Self-Defence Forces took part in Keen Sword, a U.S.-Japan exercise held across Japan from Oct. 19-29. The newspaper said the system has a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers and is part of Tokyo’s effort to strengthen its counterstrike capabilities.
The KCNA commentator argued that a missile-launch simulation during Keen Sword tested how quickly Japan could deploy weapons he characterized as offensive. He claimed the exercise put coastal areas in North Korea and China within reach of those weapons.
The commentary referenced two weapons tests by Japan earlier this year: a Type 88 anti-ship missile firing and a Tomahawk cruise missile test. Separately, it asserted that Japan’s military had completed a shift from defense to attack. The commentator called Japan’s actions a factor in what he described as a “vicious cycle” of rising regional tension.
Pyongyang has also issued warnings over U.S.-South Korea military drills, which the allies describe as defensive.
