North Korea slams Japan's military build-up as US flies bombers, stealth jets in show of force
ABCNorth Korea has condemned a planned military build-up outlined in Japan's new security strategy, calling it dangerous and vowing counteractions, while also warning of another imminent test of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Key points: Japan recently unveiled its biggest military build-up since World War II North Korea says the build-up presents a "serious challenge" to international peace, and has hinted at more missile tests Hours after the North's statements, the US Air Force flew bombers and stealth jets to South Korea for joint drills The remarks, made by a spokesperson for Pyongyang's foreign ministry and reported in state media, came days after Japan unveiled its biggest military build-up since World War II, amid regional tension with China, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stoking fears of war. The North Korean official said Japan's new strategy effectively formalised "the capability for pre-emptive attack", which would bring a "radical" change to East Asia's security environment. The spokesperson also criticised the United States for "conniving and instigating Japan's rearmament and reinvasion scheme, and said the US had no right to question North Korea's defences.