Japan concerned over N. Korea, China military activities – paper

Japan expressed strong concern over North Korea's nuclear and missile development. According to the government's annual defense white paper released Friday, the North are "focusing on improving their capabilities in a qualitative manner. The Defense Ministry assessed North Korea's military trends as "an even more serious and imminent threat than before" in light of the successful launch of the solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and military reconnaissance satellites. It also stated that, in order to complement its nuclear and missile operational capabilities, Pyongyang is "diversifying its equipment systems and improving intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities," voicing concern over deepening military ties between the North and Russia. The paper described China's military movements as "a matter of serious concern for Japan and the international community and the biggest strategic challenge. The possibility of military tensions between China and Taiwan increasing cannot be denied due to China's intensified military activities," it warned. As for the war in Ukraine, the defense paper pointed out that Russia is "maintaining its military capability by procuring artillery shells and missiles from North Korea." Amid the severe security environment, the report expressed a sense of crisis, saying, "Russia's invasion of Ukraine has easily violated the foundations of the rules that shape the international order. The possibility of a similar serious situation occurring in East Asia cannot be ruled out". Source: Kuwait News Agency