North Korea issued a statement criticizing the recent visit of top US defense officials to South Korea. The country vowed to respond more aggressively to what it perceives as military threats from the United States and its allies. The North’s defense ministry blamed the United States for raising tensions in the region. The statement emphasized the intention to control and manage threats through visible strategic deterrent military actions.
During US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s visit to South Korea, a bilateral security agreement was revised to address North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile threats. The existing strategy was deemed inadequate due to the rapid advancements in North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.
North Korea has consistently accused the United States and its allies of aggravating military tensions on the Korean peninsula. It points to large-scale military drills and the increased presence of US strategic assets in the region as the primary reasons for the heightened tensions.
The visit by US Secretary of Defense Austin follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent trip to South Korea. Through these visits, the US officials aimed to provide reassurances on Washington’s commitment to the region while expressing concerns over the growing ties between Russia and North Korea.
Although North Korea and Russia have denied any arms deals, the two nations pledged closer military cooperation at their September summit.
Meanwhile, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa, held talks to address North Korea’s nuclear threats. Both countries agreed to continue cooperation in tackling the issue.
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