North Korea: Drills threaten to turn region into war zone

North Korea’s Foreign Ministry has announced that joint exercises between the United States and its allies cross all red lines and threaten security in the region, writes Reuters.
A government statement carried by North Korea’s state media KCNA said Pyongyang was not interested in dialogue as long as Washington pursued a threatening policy. Washington, in turn, rejected the accusations and declared that it is ready to meet with North Korean diplomats at a place and time more convenient for them:

«We have made clear we have no hostile intent toward the DPRK and seek serious and sustained diplomacy to address the full range of issues of concern to both countries and the region.»

North Korea’s announcement was a reaction to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to South Korea earlier in the week. Austin agreed with his South Korean counterpart to expand military exercises and deploy military equipment in the region. The decision was taken to respond to North Korea’s increased armament and prevent the threat of war. North Korea has called it a clear manifestation of the danger of the US and has declared that in this way the Korean Peninsula is being turned into a war zone and a huge weapons depot.
North Korea is said to be ready to respond to any US military actions and has prepared an action plan that also includes the use of nuclear weapons. Asked about tensions with North Korea, Austin said the United States aims to achieve security and stability in the region and remains committed to defending South Korea. The White House has stated that the exercises are not a provocation in any way.
In 2022, North Korea conducted a series of missile tests, which are prohibited by the decision of the UN Security Council. It also considered resuming nuclear weapons tests. South Korea’s foreign minister, meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York, called on the UN to pay more attention to North Korea’s provocations and to strengthen efforts to impose sanctions against the authoritarian regime.
On the 1st of February, the US and South Korea held joint exercises using US B-1B bombers and F-22 fighter jets, as well as the F-35 fighter jets, belonging to both countries.
Read also: North Korea fires another ballistic missile