Kim Yo Jong warns Japan over first Tomahawk missile test, says new military options will be established

Published Aug 5, 12:15 PM UTC

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, warned on August 5 that Pyongyang would establish additional military options against Japan following the Japanese navy's first live-fire test of a U.S.-supplied Tomahawk cruise missile on July 29. The missile was launched from the Aegis destroyer Chokai in the Pacific Ocean. Kim accused Japan, which she called a 'war criminal state,' of accelerating its transformation into a 'war state' by pursuing preemptive strike capabilities, citing the Tomahawk test and Tokyo's participation in U.S.-led drills in the Philippines. She stated that Japan's moves are contrary to international law and its constitution. Japan has defended its military buildup as necessary due to the severe security environment, partly citing North Korean threats. Kim also blamed the United States for enabling the test by providing the missiles and launch conditions. She did not disclose specific details about the planned additional military options.