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Pyongyang: The exercises between Washington, Seoul and Tokyo are the Asian version of NATO

2024-06-30 11:11:00, Kosova & Bota CNA
Pyongyang: The exercises between Washington, Seoul and Tokyo are the Asian
The American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, which was involved in recent military exercises. Source, AFP

North Korea has condemned the joint military exercises of South Korea, Japan and the United States, calling them an "Asian version of NATO" and warning of "fatal consequences".

Pyongyang's reaction comes a day after the allied nations concluded three-day exercises called "Free Eagle," which included ballistic missile and air defense, submarine attack training and cyber defense drills.

The leaders of the US, South Korea and Japan during a summit last year agreed to hold annual drills as a sign of unity against North Korea's nuclear threats and China's growing influence in the region.

"We strongly condemn... the provocative display of military muscle against North Korea," North Korea's Foreign Ministry said, according to a statement published by state news agency KCNA.

"Relations between the USA, Japan and South Korea look like the Asian version of NATO", said this minister, warning of "fatal consequences".

"North Korea never ignores the moves of the US and its followers to strengthen the military bloc."

The US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, the Japanese missile system JS Atago, and Seoul's KF-16 fighter jets were also involved in the latest exercises.

Pyongyang always reacts to such military exercises, which it describes as preparations for an invasion.

Seoul has rejected Pyongyang's accusations, saying the latest drills were a continuation of defensive drills held regularly for years by the three allies.

"It is absurd that North Korea, the main source of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, criticizes the 'Free Eagle' exercise, describing it as an 'Asian NATO,'" Seoul's Defense Ministry said.

Tensions between the two Koreas have risen recently, as both have fired balloons into each other's territories in recent weeks. The North has filled the balloons with garbage, while Seoul has thrown balloons filled with pro-Seoul messages./ REL





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