Seoul: North Korean Defense Minister Noh Kwang Chol has issued a stern warning of “more aggressive actions” in response to recent U.S.-South Korean security talks and the docking of a U.S. aircraft carrier in South Korea.
According to Thai News Agency, Noh Kwang Chol criticized the recent visit by the U.S. and South Korean defense secretaries to the border, as well as their subsequent security discussions in Seoul. He accused them of conspiring to bolster deterrence measures against North Korea and aiming to integrate nuclear and conventional forces. Noh’s remarks were reported by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The arrival of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington in Busan, southeastern South Korea, further exacerbated tensions on the Korean Peninsula, according to Noh. He argued that this visit, following joint US-South Korean air exercises, heightened the threat level in the region. Noh stated that North Korea intends to take proactive measures against perceived threats, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to maintaining stability and peace through formidable strength.
The South Korean navy clarified that the carrier’s visit was primarily for resupply purposes and to provide rest for its crew.
In a related development, North Korea launched a missile into the sea off its east coast on Friday. This act followed its denunciation of new U.S. sanctions targeting North Korean individuals and entities allegedly involved in a money laundering scheme linked to cyber attacks.
South Korea’s defense ministry expressed condemnation of the missile launch on Saturday, while also labeling North Korea’s critique of the U.S.-South Korea security meeting as regrettable.
Earlier in the week, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that the core of the U.S.-South Korea alliance remains focused on deterring North Korea, although Washington is considering strategic flexibility for U.S. troops stationed in South Korea to better respond to regional threats.