38 North "North Korea's Missile Provocations Accelerate Japan's Rearmament"

"Kim Jong-un's Missile Provocation Unintentionally Accelerates Japan's Military Spending Expansion"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] According to the US North Korea-focused media 38 North on the 21st (local time), North Korea's successive missile provocations are expected to accelerate Japan's remilitarization efforts.

38 North reported that "North Korea's test of an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) on the 4th has brought the North Korea issue to the forefront of Japan's diplomatic and defense policies, prompting Japan to strengthen its defense capabilities."

38 North explained that while Japan had previously shown alignment with the US's North Korea policy, it is now taking a tougher stance than the US regarding the IRBM issue.

38 North stated, "Even before the IRBM test on the 4th, the Japanese government's atmosphere was one of gradual remilitarization," adding, "Japan's recent initiation of reviewing an increase in its defense budget reflects how Japan understands the East Asian security environment."

Additionally, 38 North noted, "North Korea's IRBM launches over northern Japan are not unprecedented. The first occurred in 1998 during US President Bill Clinton's second term, and several were conducted in 2017," emphasizing, "Nevertheless, these were not significant to Japan's hawks in the defense sector. North Korea's missile provocations serve as 'ammunition' for those who believe more military spending is necessary."

38 North added, "Therefore, Kim Jong-un is unintentionally accelerating the trend of increasing Japan's military expenditures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.