North Korea has strongly criticized the United States and Japan for transforming their military partnership into what it calls a “dangerous nuclear alliance,” arguing that the move justifies Pyongyang’s continued weapons development.

In a commentary published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a North Korean international affairs analyst condemned recent actions by Washington and Tokyo. These include elevating their extended deterrence consultations to ministerial-level talks last year and reaffirming military cooperation involving nuclear capabilities.

Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to defend allies like Japan using its full military arsenal, including nuclear weapons.

The article also highlighted recent visits by Japanese officials to U.S. bases hosting B-52 strategic bombers, and joint military exercises simulating nuclear scenarios, as further proof of the alliance’s shift toward nuclear aggression.

“The US-Japan military alliance is turning into a dangerous ‘nuclear coalition,'” the article stated. It accused Japan of attempting to return to militarism “under the protection of the U.S.” and warned that the regional security situation is becoming “dangerously unstable.”

North Korea alleged that U.S. nuclear strategic assets are being deployed to military bases in Hawaii, Guam, and Japan, increasing pressure on regional powers.

The KCNA article claimed that this buildup leaves North Korea with no choice but to continue enhancing its “self-defensive” capabilities. It warned that Japan’s actions, especially its acceptance of being part of a U.S.-led nuclear alliance, could “bring a nuclear disaster to the world.”

Referring to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the piece concluded that Pyongyang’s military buildup is “completely justified” given the growing threats it faces from the US and its allies.