North Korea Condemns US-Led Military Drills in Northeast Asia
North Korea condemned joint military exercises between the United States, Japan, and South Korea, claiming the drills create a new danger of war in the region.
The Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea condemned joint military exercises conducted by the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, claiming the drills bring a "new danger of war" to the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.
Starting October 20, the Republic of Korea and U.S. Forces Korea began the Hoguk exercises, which run through October 30 to intensify war simulation across ground, sea, and air domains. Simultaneously, the United States and Japan launched the Keen Sword drills. These exercises featured the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and the first-time deployment of the NMESIS anti-ship missile system in Japan.
North Korea characterized the drills as "aggressive and provocative," alleging that Washington is manipulating the region to create an Asia-Pacific version of NATO. In response to these maneuvers, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea vowed to upgrade its war deterrent to defend its sovereignty.
