On December 21, North Korea said that Japan's ambition to own nuclear weapons should be " considerately contested", according to state news agency KCNA.
Pyongyang said that Tokyo is showing its intention to possess nuclear weapons by raising the possibility of reviewing the three principles of non-nuclearity.
KCNA quoted a comment from a North Korean foreign policy official, saying that Japan's mention of adjusting these principles is a clear sign of its intention to pursue nuclear capabilities. According to North Korean media, such statements became more frequent soon after the US accepted South Korea's request to build nuclear-powered Submarines.
North Korea believes that the actions and statements from Japan could increase security tensions in the region, while undermining efforts to maintain the non-nuclear principle. Pyongyang stressed its stance against any attempt to expand or possess nuclear weapons in Northeast Asia.
Previously, in October, US President Donald Trump said he had approved South Korea's proposal to build a nuclear-powered Submarine, following a visit to the Asian partner country and a summit on trade agreements with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. This information was mentioned by North Korean media as a context for Tokyo to increase statements related to nuclear policy.
According to KCNA, North Korea considers curbing Japan's nuclear ambitions necessary to ensure security and stability in the region. Pyongyang did not provide details on specific measures, but stressed the need for the international community to be vigilant against moves that the country considers to be contrary to its nuclear non-nuclear spirit.
