Kim Jong Un Criticizes Japan, Says It is Becoming a War State

JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un launched a harsh criticism of Japan. He said Japan was turning into a "war country" amid rising security tensions in the region.

As reported by Kyodo News, quoted Tuesday, June 23, the statement was made by Kim in a closing speech at the three-day meeting of the Korean Workers' Party which lasted until Monday.

"Japan, the country that lost the war in Asia, has openly transformed itself into a war country," Kim said, as quoted by Kyodo from the Korean Central News Agency, Tuesday.

Kim accused Japan of taking advantage of the current security situation to remove various restrictions that have long hindered its move to become a military power.

He also said that the move triggered strong rejection and serious concerns from the international community.

According to Kyodo, this is believed to be the first time Kim has used the terms "becoming a military power" and "militarism" while criticizing Japan.

Kim's statement came after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang earlier this month. At a banquet hosted by Kim, Xi expressed his rejection of attempts to "revive militarism". The statement seems to be directed at Japan.

Kim also criticized the United States and South Korea. He accused the two countries of worsening the situation on the Korean Peninsula through military modernization, war exercises, and espionage activities.

Kim then urged the acceleration of the development of North Korea's national defense capabilities.

"The reckless and arbitrary practices of the United States have had a dangerous impact on its satellite power," Kim said. The term seems to refer to US allies such as Japan and South Korea.

He said this condition again proved the truth of the political choices and the path taken by North Korea.

Kim also confirmed plans to accelerate a nuclear-based defense program. According to the KCNA report, a broader and innovative plan will be carried out at a higher speed.

KCNA said Kim set the task of continuing to improve strong defense assets in North Korea's own way and with the goal of surpassing the world.

Towards South Korea, Kim again used a harsh tone. He emphasized the importance of sticking to the principle of fighting against enemies. The Korean Workers' Party had previously defined South Korea as "the most hostile country".

The speech was delivered at a plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Korean Workers' Party.

At the same meeting, the party also removed Kim Jae Ryong from the Politburo presidium membership, the party's secretary post, and department director. KCNA did not explain the reasons for the removal.

Kim Jae Ryong, a former North Korean prime minister, only entered the party's highest decision-making body in February.