North Korea has denounced Germany’s decision to join the United Nations Command (UNC) overseeing the Korean War Armistice, comparing the move to its actions before World War II and threatening to accelerate military development in response.

In a statement released Tuesday evening, a spokesperson for Pyongyang’s foreign ministry condemned Germany’s accession to the U.S.-led military coalition as an act that threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The statement warned that North Korea will further strengthen its “self-defensive” capabilities and hold Germany “wholly responsible” for aggravating regional tensions.

“Germany’s improper act is again reminiscent of its inglorious past in