N Korea says record-high Japan defence budget would risk 'turmoil'

SEOUL, Aug 22: North Korea slammed Japan's reported plans to increase its defence budget, accusing Tokyo on Saturday of preparing for a "war of aggression" as its US ally pursues talks with Pyongyang.

Japan has been gradually moving away from its post-World War II pacifist stance, increasing military spending, ramping up defence pacts and deploying missile launchers to its outer islands.

The Japanese defence ministry is now seeking a "record-high" budget for the upcoming fiscal year, broadcaster NHK and other media outlets reported this week, putting the sum at 8.9 trillion yen ($56 billion). 

The budget request "will once again break all-time records", a commentary carried by Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.�" AFP