North Korea threatens strong military step against Japan

By HYUNG-JIN KIM
Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea is threatening to take “a resolute and decisive military step” against Japan while it slammed Tokyo’s adoption of a national security strategy as an attempt to turn the country into an aggressive military power. The North’s statement came four days after Japan announced a security strategy that includes a counterstrike capability and doubles its military spending to gain a more offensive footing against threats from China and North Korea. The North’s Foreign Ministry said Japan’s push to acquire counterstrike capability has nothing to do with self-defense but is a clear attempt  to launch strikes on other countries’ territories. The Japanese strategy names China as the biggest strategic challenge to Tokyo’s efforts to ensure peace, safety and stability.