The White House insists it has no hostile intent against North Korea, after Pyongyang warned Washington was hitting a red line in the region.
“We always affirm that we have no hostile intent against North Korea, and we pursue serious diplomatic measures to resolve a wide range of issues concerning the two countries and the whole region,” a spokesman for the Council said. US National Security said today.
The White House official said the United States is always ready to meet North Korea’s representatives at the time and place requested by Pyongyang, while rejecting accusations that the US-South Korea military exercises are provocative, causing escalating regional tensions.
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby holds a press conference on October 27, 2022. Photo: Reuters.
“These are regular exercises in line with the rules of the past. The United States is working closely with allies and partners to ensure peace and stability in the region. We also continue to implement resolutions. United Nations Security Council resolutions to limit North Korea’s ability to develop illegal weapons programs,” the US National Security Council spokesman added.
The comments came after North Korea said it would not engage in dialogue until the US stopped pursuing hostile policies.
“The political and military situation on the Korean peninsula and the region has reached an extreme red line due to reckless military moves of a confrontational nature, as well as the hostile actions of the United States and its foreign forces.” most,” said a spokesman for the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Pyongyang also warned that Washington is turning the Korean peninsula into a “huge arsenal of weapons and a dangerous war zone.” , including the “most overwhelming nuclear force”.
The US military on February 1 sent B-1B Lancer strategic bombers and F-22 and F-35B stealth fighters to practice synergies with F-35A fighters in the Korean Air Force. The planes flew together over the Yellow Sea, the sea between the Korean peninsula and China, marking the first air force drills between the US and South Korea this year.
“The exercise demonstrates the US ability and will to provide a strong and reliable extended deterrence against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats,” South Korea’s defense ministry said in a statement. fox said.
Tensions on the Korean peninsula escalated as the sides continued to conduct military operations. The United States, South Korea and Japan have repeatedly conducted large-scale drills recently, while North Korea responded by testing a series of new weapons, including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently called for an “exponential increase” in his nuclear arsenal, after declaring that North Korea has become a nuclear state and cannot be reversed.
Vu Anh (Theo Reuters)