Japan faces greatest danger since World War II because of North Korea

"It would not be an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its most severe since World War II. I will protect the lives and peaceful lives of the people under any circumstances,"Reutersquoted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaking at a New Year's press conference today.

Mr. Abe said Japan would take new measures to strengthen its defenses but did not elaborate.

Japan’s government last month approved a record military budget, with defense spending set to rise 1.3 percent to $46 billion, the sixth straight annual increase in defense spending, with the biggest chunk of the spending earmarked for bolstering defenses against North Korean ballistic missiles.

"It is unacceptable that North Korea has trampled on the strong wishes of Japan and the entire international community for a peaceful solution. It is continuing its provocative actions," Mr. Abe said.

Tensions in the region have increased, especially since North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test in September last year, and in November, the country successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach the entire US territory./.