North Korea condemns planned military exercises of the United States and South Korea

The DPRK condemns the holding of the Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 (UFS) military exercises by the United States and South Korea, and also warns of possible consequences. This statement was made on August 10 by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Noh Gwan Chol.

"We strongly condemn the provocative actions of the United States and South Korea, which unconditionally demonstrated their position of military confrontation with the DPRK and once again pose a serious challenge to security on the Korean peninsula and in the region, and strictly warn of their negative consequences," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted him as saying.

He noted that the exercises planned for the period from August 18 to 28, simulating the real situation of a nuclear war, are considered by the DPRK as a direct military provocation and threat. It is noted that the unilateral actions of the United States and South Korea are the reason why the situation in the region is "changing for the worse every day."

The minister pointed out that a show of force in this case would have the opposite effect and weaken the security of both the United States and the Republic of Korea.

"Our armed forces will prepare for any military exercises between the United States and South Korea, taking a thorough and resolute retaliatory position, and we will strictly exercise our sovereign right to self-defense against any provocative actions that cross the line," he concluded.

On July 28, KCNA informed that the DPRK was not interested in reconciliation with South Korea. The message was a response to the measures taken by the current president of the country, Lee Jae-myung, to try to start reconciliation with the DPRK.

On July 16, South Korea, the United States and Japan conducted a trilateral missile defense exercise in the international waters of the Sea of Japan. According to media reports, the exercises were aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the military of the three countries to respond to ballistic missiles.