North Korea condemns ongoing Japan–U.S. joint military exercises, describing them as a “war rehearsal,” according to an editorial carried by the Korean Central News Agency. The criticism targets Japan’s participation in “Resolute Dragon,” a combined exercise involving Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Marine Corps forces. North Korea accuses Japan of sharpening its “invasion capability” and says Japan has worsened regional security by deepening military ties with the United States.
The editorial also references an earlier U.S.–Japan combined exercise, “Iron Fist,” held in February, as part of North Korea’s broader criticism of Japan’s military activity with the U.S. Additionally, the KCNA piece claims that long-range missiles were test-fired in a “preemptive” manner intended to strike neighboring countries during Japan’s first participation in a U.S.-led multinational exercise in the Asia-Pacific region in April and May.
North Korea warns that Tokyo’s actions could lead to a “tragic end” if it continues what it characterizes as reckless military behavior and attempts to justify expanding its role amid what it calls a confusing global environment.
