Tokyo Just Changed Kim Jong Un’s Nuclear Calculus
North Korea’s perspective on Japan is shifting. On August 4, Kim Yo Jong, Vice Department Director of the Workers’ Party of Korea and sister to supreme leader Kim Jong Un, strongly criticized Japan’s military buildup, warning that Pyongyang could take “additional military steps” in response. What provoked North Korea was the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s test-firing of U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles and Tokyo’s moves to secure long-range strike capabilities.
TL;DR
- North Korea criticizes Japan's military buildup and missile test-firing.
- Kim Yo Jong warns of "additional military steps" by Pyongyang.
- Japan's acquisition of long-range strike capabilities and testing of U.S.-made missiles are key provocations.
- North Korea views these Japanese actions as a shift towards pre-emptive strike capabilities and overseas operations.
- A missile launch by North Korea followed shortly after Kim Yo Jong's warning.
- Japan's role in North Korea's military strategy is reportedly changing compared to the past.