North Korea Condemns Japan's 2026 Defense White Paper as 'Re-Invasion' Agenda

North Korea has strongly condemned Japan's newly released 2026 Defense White Paper, labeling it a 're-invasion-minded' document and a 'war script' designed to justify a reckless military buildup. Published under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet, the white paper designates North Korea as a 'grave and imminent threat' and China as the 'greatest strategic challenge,' while asserting territorial claims over the disputed Dokdo islands for the 22nd consecutive year. In response, North Korea has ramped up its rhetoric, with key figures like Kim Yo Jong warning of 'additional military options' following Japan's recent Tomahawk missile test, followed by a North Korean short-range ballistic missile launch on August 6. South Korea's Unification Ministry has downplayed Pyongyang's criticisms as an annual routine aimed at justifying its own nuclear ambitions and aligning with Russia and China.

// Background

Japan's annual defense white paper outlines the nation's security environment and defense policies. The 2026 edition is the first under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and reflects growing regional anxieties over military cooperation between China, Russia, and North Korea. It also marks the 22nd consecutive year Japan has claimed the disputed Dokdo islands (Takeshima), which are controlled by South Korea. Meanwhile, North Korea has intensified its military rhetoric and missile testing, issuing at least seven statements criticizing Tokyo's defense policies since July 2026.

// Key Developments

• North Korea's state media KCNA published a commentary by analyst Kang Won-chol calling Japan's 2026 Defense White Paper a 're-invasion paper' and a legal basis for a 'war machine'.
• Japan's 2026 Defense White Paper, the first under PM Sanae Takaichi, labels North Korea a 'more grave and imminent threat' and China 'the greatest strategic challenge ever seen'.
• The white paper asserts Japan's claim over the disputed Dokdo islands (Takeshima) for the 22nd consecutive year, while calling South Korea a 'partner' for the third straight year.
• Tensions escalated following Japan's July 29 test-fire of a US-made Tomahawk cruise missile, prompting a warning from Kim Yo Jong and a subsequent North Korean ballistic missile test on August 6.
• South Korea's Unification Ministry viewed North Korea's escalating rhetoric as an attempt to justify its nuclear weapons program and align with China and Russia.