North Korea has sharply criticised Japan’s latest Diplomatic Bluebook, accusing Tokyo of attempting to justify what it described as growing militarist ambitions.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean foreign ministry, called the report “a tricky document” aimed at portraying Japan’s military expansion in a favourable light.

The statement alleged that Japan was using security concerns in the region to advance legal and institutional changes that would enable it to expand its military capabilities.

According to North Korea, Japan’s rhetoric about neighbouring countries’ right to self-defence is intended to justify its own actions while contributing to regional instability.

The statement also condemned Japan’s criticism of North Korea’s efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities.

Describing such remarks as a “grave provocation” that infringes on the country’s sovereignty and security interests.

(Xinhua/NAN)