A North Korean diplomat has accused Japan of becoming a "military giant" with its defense white paper, provoking regional tensions.

Japan has been criticized by a North Korean diplomat for trying to turn itself into a "military giant", referring to the recently approved defense white paper. The document is seen as a war plan that would aim for a new invasion of the region, escalating tensions. Japan has underlined the threat from North Korea's nuclear programs and China's military activities, and in this context, it is developing its military capabilities and working more closely with the US and allies.