Pyongyang: North Korea on Saturday criticized Japan's planned increase in defense spending, warning that a record military budget could escalate regional security tensions and increase instability.

According to Anadolu Agency, in a commentary, North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Japan's Defense Ministry plans to request about 8.9 trillion yen ($56 billion) for fiscal 2027, with the final figure potentially reaching 10 trillion yen ($63 billion) during the budget process.

KCNA accused Tokyo of using concerns over regional threats to expand the capabilities of Japan's Self-Defense Forces and gradually transform them into what it described as preemptive attack forces.

The commentary highlighted that Japan's planned spending includes initiatives such as developing underwater-launched hypersonic missiles, deploying attack drones, integrating artificial intelligence into military command systems, and acquiring additional long-range missiles.

KCNA pointed out that Japan's acquisition of long-range strike weapons, including US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, serves as evidence that Tokyo is moving away from its postwar pacifist policy.

Tokyo's planned spending is part of Japan's five-year defense buildup program, which allocates 43 trillion yen ($270 billion) for fiscal 2023-2027.

Japan has steadily increased defense spending since adopting a new national security strategy in 2022, citing security threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. Analysts warn that Japan's expanding defense capabilities could contribute to an arms race in East Asia, while China has criticized Tokyo's military buildup.