Pyongyang: Amid escalating tensions in the Korean peninsula, North Korea has strongly criticized joint military exercises involving South Korea, the United States, and Japan, alleging that these maneuvers are part of an effort to create an “Asian version of NATO”. The criticism from Pyongyang follows the commencement of large-scale joint military drills dubbed “Operation Freedom Edge,” which includes naval exercises with destroyers, fighter jets, and the nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, aimed at enhancing missile defense, submarine operations, and air attack capabilities.
According to reports from KCNA, North Korea’s foreign ministry stated that it would not overlook the reinforcement of a military alliance led by the US and its allies, vowing to defend regional peace with a robust and decisive response.
The ministry further criticized South Korea for its decision to supply weapons to Ukraine, suggesting that Washington seeks to align Seoul and Tokyo more closely with NATO. This move coincided with North Korea’s recent mutual defense pact with Russia, signed during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang. Both North Korea and Russia have denied allegations of arms trafficking between them, which have been previously raised by South Korea and the United States.
Also Read | Russian Defense Forces Neutralize 36 Ukrainian Drones in Southwest Region
Meanwhile, amid the ongoing military exercises, North Korea’s ruling party convened a significant meeting chaired by Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. During the meeting, Kim addressed economic challenges and outlined priorities for the latter half of the year, as reported by state media.
North Korea has consistently condemned such joint drills, viewing them as evidence of hostile intentions and invasion preparations by Washington and Seoul. Similar exercises conducted last year involved naval missile defense and anti-submarine operations, aimed at bolstering readiness against potential North Korean threats.
