North Korea Warns Japan Against Pursuit of Nuclear Weapons, Calls for Restraint

North Korea has warned that Japan’s pursuit of nuclear weapons must be “thoroughly curbed,” state media KCNA reported on Sunday.

Citing a commentary by a North Korean foreign-policy official, KCNA said Japan appears to be openly considering nuclear armament by indicating a possible review of its longstanding three non-nuclear principles.

The report linked Japan’s statements to the recent US approval for South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, suggesting that Tokyo’s comments intensified after Washington granted the request.

In October, US President Donald Trump confirmed he had approved South Korea’s plan for a nuclear submarine during a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, part of broader discussions on trade and security cooperation.