North Korea has strongly criticized the ongoing joint military exercise between the United States and Japan, accusing Tokyo of exploiting global instability to transform itself into a 'militarist state.' According to a report by North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, the exercise, named 'Resolute Dragon,' is being used by Japan to test its ability to conduct overseas military operations.

Pyongyang further alleged that Japan’s deepening military cooperation with the United States is worsening security instability in the Asia-Pacific region. It claimed that Japan had earlier participated for the first time in a US-led multinational drill in April and May, where it tested long-range missile capabilities aimed at potential preemptive strikes against neighboring countries.

The North Korean statement warned that continued military activities of this nature could bring 'terrible consequences' for Japan. The 'Resolute Dragon' exercise began on June 20 in Japan’s southwestern Okinawa and Kyushu islands, involving the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the US Marine Corps, and is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday.