Pyongyang: North Korea on Friday denounced Japan's push to expand its arms exports of lethal weapons, calling it a "grave challenge" to world peace and stability.

According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea expressed concerns that such a move could lead to a serious arms race among neighboring countries, escalate geopolitical tensions, and weaken global security. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported these statements amid growing unease about Japan's recent policy shifts.

Last month, Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party approved a proposal to ease restrictions on defense equipment exports, signaling a shift towards lifting curbs on lethal arms exports. The current export framework allows for five categories, including reconnaissance and minesweeping, but the new proposal suggests a two-category system encompassing lethal and nonlethal weapons. This change would permit the transfer of lethal arms to nations with defense agreements with Japan.

The KCNA criticized this development, suggesting Japan's arms industry expansion necessitates new export channels. It accused Japan of attempting to increase exports to satisfy the rising demand for such channels.

Further, the news agency accused Japan of fostering militarism by transforming its economy into one centered on "a massive arms industry." It claimed Japan harbors a hidden agenda of creating favorable conditions for the potential reinvasion of Korea.