Kim Jong Un: Japan 'War State', Wants to Be a Military Power

JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called Japan a "war country" and sought to become a military power.

In a speech closing a meeting of the Korean Workers' Party, Kim accused Japan of "blatantly transforming itself into a war state" by taking advantage of the current situation to "break free from all shackles that limit its steps to become a military power."

"This will trigger a strong reaction and serious concerns from the international community," he said, quoted by ANTARA from Kyodo, Tuesday, June 23.

According to the report of the official North Korean media, Kim is said to have used the terms "becoming a military power" and "militarism" for the first time when criticizing Japan.

Earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping also expressed his opposition to attempts to "revive militarism" while attending a banquet held by Kim in Pyongyang. The statement was considered aimed at Japan.

Kim also criticized the United States and South Korea (South Korea) for "further aggravating the situation on the Korean Peninsula" through military modernization, war exercises, and espionage activities.

He encouraged the acceleration of the development of national defense capabilities and emphasized that North Korea's policies had been proven to be correct.

"The reckless and arbitrary practices of the US have had a negative impact on its satellite forces," said Kim, apparently referring to Japan and South Korea.

"This fact once again proves the truth of all our political choices and the path we have taken," he said.

Kim promised that with nuclear technology as a foundation, "a broader, innovative, and exciting plan will be implemented at an increasing speed."

According to KCNA, Kim also called for the continuous improvement of strong defense assets in order to "outpace the world."

Kim stressed the importance of adhering to the principle of the struggle against South Korea, which was set by the Korean Workers' Party as "the most hostile country."

The meeting also decided to remove Kim Jae Ryong from his post as a member of the Presidium of the Korean Workers' Party Politburo, party secretary, and department director.

KCNA did not explain the reason for the removal. Kim Jae Ryong, who had served as prime minister, was only appointed as a member of the presidium - the party's highest decision-making body - in February.