North Korea Responds Defensively to US Threats, Citing Raised Tensions
North Korea has vowed to respond with increased offensive measures to what it perceives as military threats from the United States and its allies. In a statement issued by the North’s defense ministry and carried by the state media outlet KCNA, the spokesperson blamed the United States for escalating tensions in the region, specifically referencing the recent visit of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to South Korea.
According to the statement, the armed forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) will take strong measures to control and manage any threats to its national security. They intend to do so by enhancing their offensive and overwhelming counteraction capabilities and through visible strategic deterrent military actions. The revision of a bilateral security agreement between South Korea and the US during Austin’s visit was seen as necessary to address the advancing nuclear and missile threats posed by North Korea.
North Korea believes that the United States and its allies are responsible for aggravating military tensions on the Korean peninsula. It points to the large-scale military drills conducted by the US and the increased presence of US strategic assets in the region. The Pentagon recently announced the potential sale of Sidewinder missiles and the Standard Missile 6 Block I to South Korea, a move aimed at improving the security of the US’s major ally.
While the US has reassured its commitment to the region through visits by top officials, concerns have been raised over the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea. Both countries have denied any arms deals but pledged closer military cooperation at their summit in September. South Korea and Japan have agreed to continue cooperation in addressing North Korea’s nuclear threats during talks held in San Francisco.
As tensions persist on the Korean peninsula, North Korea’s latest remarks highlight the ongoing risks and challenges faced by the region. The international community will closely monitor developments and seek diplomatic solutions to ensure stability and peace in the area.
