Photo courtesy of Anadolu
North Korea said NATO’s expanding military logistics network showed that the alliance was preparing for possible conflicts beyond Europe, including in the Asia-Pacific.
In a commentary carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Saturday, Pyongyang criticized plans to modernize and extend NATO’s fuel supply system across Europe.
The project reportedly includes new pipelines and storage facilities linking western Europe with newer member states in the eastern and northern parts of the continent.
North Korea said the expansion reflected NATO’s efforts to build strategic reserves and strengthen its capacity to support large-scale military operations.
Pyongyang also claimed that the alliance was increasing its presence in the Asia-Pacific through the deployment of strategic assets and participation in exercises near the Korean Peninsula.
It cited the involvement of NATO member states in multinational drills, including the Rim of the Pacific exercise, as evidence of the bloc’s growing focus on the region.
The commentary warned that NATO’s logistical buildup could heighten global tensions and allow the alliance to respond more quickly to conflicts in different parts of the world.
NATO has maintained that its military posture is defensive and aimed at deterring threats while protecting the collective security of its members.