TOKYO -- Japan's Ministry of Defense has warned that growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea could significantly strengthen Pyongyang's military capabilities, heightening security risks across Asia.

White paper says Ukraine war boosts Pyongyang, cautions over deeper Beijing-Moscow ties

The cover of the "Defense of Japan 2026" white paper is shown alongside an introduction to the document by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. (Screenshot from Japan Ministry of Defense)