North Korea’s Defence Minister No Kwang Chol has threatened to undertake “more offensive action” in response to U.S. security discussions with South Korea and the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the region.
This threat follows North Korea’s recent ballistic missile launch towards the sea and condemnation of new U.S. sanctions aimed at individuals and entities linked to North Korean cyber operations. No criticized the recent visit of U.S. and South Korean defense officials to the Korean border, claiming it reflected a hostile intent against North Korea, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the alliance’s focus on deterring North Korea while remaining open to flexible troop operations in the region. No highlighted the tensions escalated by the U.S. aircraft carrier’s arrival in Busan and emphasized North Korea’s commitment to defend itself through “powerful strength.”
South Korea’s navy stated the carrier visit was for resupply and crew rest. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with no talks having yet occurred. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command assessed that the missile launch poses no immediate threat but underscores the destabilizing effects of North Korea’s actions.
With information from Reuters