U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Colonel Matthew Kendrick (L) and Japanese Lt Gen. Norimichi Shirakawa speak during the opening ceremony of Resolute Dragon 26 at Japan Self-Defense Force Hijudai Maneuver Area in Oita Prefecture on June 19. Photo by Lance Cpl. Camila Garibay/U.S. Marine Corps
SEOUL, June 29 (UPI) -- North Korea on Monday condemned the ongoing Resolute Dragon joint military exercise between Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marines as a rehearsal for war, directing most of its criticism at Tokyo and accusing it of using the drills to strengthen its offensive military capabilities.
In an unsigned editorial, the official Korean Central News Agency described Resolute Dragon as "a war exercise that thoroughly simulates actual combat."
"Through the exercise, Japan is steadily strengthening its invasion capabilities," KCNA said. "This year's exercise is likewise aimed at verifying the operational readiness of Japan's war machine and bringing forward the moment of actual combat."
Resolute Dragon began June 20 at military bases and training areas across Kyushu and Japan's southwestern islands, including Okinawa, and is scheduled to conclude Tuesday.
