Key points:

• North Korea criticizes the US-Japan missile co-production deal, calling it a threat to regional stability.
• The agreement involves the AIM-120 air-to-air missile, announced during US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to Tokyo.
• North Korea vows to enhance its military capabilities as a response to this "militarization" by the US and Japan.

SEOUL, April 2 (Reuters) - North Korea has sharply criticized a recent agreement between Japan and the United States to co-produce air-to-air missiles. In a statement through its state media, the North Korean government emphasized that this move heightens regional security risks and exemplifies Washington’s pursuit to militarize Japan. The remarks came after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to Japan, during which it was announced that the two nations would accelerate the co-production of the AIM-120 missile system, a significant weapon used in regional military operations.

The North Korean defense ministry noted that this cooperation is clearly aimed at creating instability in the Asia-Pacific region, describing it as an escalation of the US hegemony-oriented military strategy. "Their cooperation in the field of munitions industry is being accelerated in direct proportion to it," the ministry stated, warning that such actions signify a shift towards an increasingly offensive and aggressive military posture.

As a direct response to this perceived threat, North Korea pledged to bolster its military deterrence capabilities. Officials insisted that the growing instability necessitates a re-evaluation of their defense strategies to ensure their safety amidst regional tensions, particularly in light of Japan's plans to deploy long-range missiles on its southwestern islands.

Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of Japan’s role as a cornerstone of security against threats from China during his visit, a sentiment that evoked strong reactions from Pyongyang. As military ties deepen between the US and Japan, which North Korea views with suspicion, the North's intent to strengthen its military could prompt further regional tensions.

For more information, visit the original sources at Reuters, South China Morning Post, and TRT Global.