North Korea Denounces Japan's Constitutional Revision Push as 'Rearmament Ambition'

North Korea on May 23 characterized Japan's moves toward constitutional revision by the government and ruling Liberal Democratic Party as 'militaristic folly' and an attempt to become 'a state capable of war.' Rodong Sinmun pointed out that Japan's attempts to revise its constitution are 'militaristic folly' aimed at reviving the past 'Greater Japanese Empire.'

Furthermore, it raised concerns about deepening military ties with the United States and the possibility of attacking neighboring countries. Pyongyang threatened that if Japan rushes down the path of rearmament and attempts re-invasion, it will result in 'more severe self-harming consequences than in the past,' denouncing Japan's moves to strengthen its defense capabilities.

The South Korean government maintained its principled stance that Japan's defense buildup and discussions on constitutional revision 'should be carried out transparently in a direction that upholds the spirit of the Peace Constitution and contributes to regional peace and stability.'