In a statement carried by the state-run KCNA news agency, a spokesman for the North Korean Defense Ministry blamed the United States for escalating tensions in the region, referring to a visit to Seoul by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin this week.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits South Korea. Photo: Reuters
"The armed forces of the DPRK will firmly control and manage any threats to its national security and interests with its overwhelming counterattack capabilities and clear-cut strategic military deterrence actions," the statement said.
During Mr. Austin's visit, South Korea and the United States revised their bilateral security agreement to counter North Korea's nuclear threats.
South Korea's Defense Ministry said the revision was necessary because the current strategy does not adequately address North Korea's rapid advances in its nuclear and missile programs.
North Korea said the United States and its allies were responsible for aggravating military tensions on the Korean Peninsula, due to the impact of large-scale US military exercises and the growing presence of US strategic assets in the region.
This week, the Pentagon announced that the US State Department has approved the sale of Sidewinder and Standard Missile 6 Block I missiles to South Korea.
Mr Austin's visit follows a trip by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to South Korea last week, where top US officials sought to reaffirm Washington's commitment to the region.
Hoang Nam (according to Reuters)
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