North Korea Criticizes Japan's Diplomatic Bluebook as 'Grave Provocation', Reaffirms No Nuclear Abandonment

Japan last week outlined its opposition to North Korea's nuclear program in its annual "Diplomatic Bluebook." North Korea on Sunday accused Japan of "grave provocation" and "infringement of sovereignty" for the stance, reiterating that its nuclear development path is irreversible and it will not abandon its weapons. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), an unnamed Foreign Ministry official stated that the position was a "grave provocation to our sacred nation's sovereignty, security interests, and right to development." The statement added that North Korea's "measures to strengthen defense capabilities... fall under the scope of self-defense rights" and accused the Japanese bluebook of being "full of typical rogue logic and absurdity." Japan's bluebook also expressed concern over North Korea's alleged provision of arms and ammunition to Russia for its attack on Ukraine. Japan also adjusted its description of China, referring to it as an "important neighbor" for the first time in 10 years, rather than "one of the most important bilateral relationships." This move reflects the ongoing deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations. In November last year, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that if "something happens in Taiwan" involving the use of force, it could constitute a "crisis of survival" situation where Japan could exercise its right to collective self-defense. (Compiled by: Qu Hsiang-ping) 2026-04-15