North Korea's nuclear, missile programs pose serious threat to global security, Japan says

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned Tuesday that North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities pose a serious threat to international peace and security, calling for the country's complete denuclearization in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

"The advancement of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, as well as its use of malicious cyber activities, including cryptocurrency thefts as source of funding, are clear violations of relevant Security Council resolutions and pose a serious threat to international peace and security," Takaichi told world leaders during the General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.

Takaichi also voiced concern over growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, citing "concerns regarding the proliferation of nuclear and missile-related technologies through the strengthening of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea."

Global artificial intelligence governance

Turning to emerging technologies, Takaichi highlighted national security challenges stemming from rapid digital expansion, stressing the urgent need for safeguards against propaganda and disinformation.

Recalling that Tokyo initiated the Hiroshima AI Process to establish international guidelines for generative AI, Takaichi said Japan intends to host an AI Safety Summit "at the earliest opportunity" alongside international partners to address risks associated with highly capable frontier models.