A regime spokesman in Pyongyang accused the United States of hostile policies. South Korea and the United States held joint air force exercises on Wednesday
After the United States and South Korea announced new military drills this year to deter North Korea, the State Department threatened harsh reactions. A spokesman in Pyongyang accused the United States of adopting hostile policies. Together with their allies, they have brought the situation on the Korean peninsula to “an extreme red line”, he was quoted as saying by state-controlled media on Thursday.
The spokesperson also criticized US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s statement this week in Seoul that US strategic weapons systems, such as fighter jets or aircraft carriers, would again be sent to the peninsula. North Korea will show the “strongest response” in line with the principle of “nuclear weapons against nuclear weapons and total confrontation against total confrontation”.
The conflict with North Korea has intensified considerably since last year. The country, autocratically ruled by Kim Jong-un, has increased the scope and speed of its tests of nuclear-capable missiles, despite the ban under UN resolutions. South Korea and the US have resumed full-scale military exercises.
“Strengthening Alliance Capabilities”
As the Ministry of Defense announced in Seoul on Thursday, the air forces of both countries held joint exercises off the west coast of South Korea on Wednesday. American B-1B bombers and fighters from both sides were used. “Recent air force exercises demonstrate the U.S. willingness and ability to provide a strong and credible deterrent against the threats posed by North Korean nuclear weapons and missiles.” By extended deterrence, the US means the “full scope” of its military capabilities to defend South Korea, including nuclear weapons.
Austin and his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sup announced in Seoul on Tuesday that they would continue to expand military maneuvers. The aim is to strengthen alliance capabilities, including information sharing and joint planning.
(APA)