North Korea warned on Nov 18 that a joint fact sheet released by the United States and South Korea last week reinforces a confrontational stance toward Pyongyang, and that it will take unspecified countermeasures, according to state media KCNA.
“The joint agreement documents, released for the first time since the US and South Korea’s regime changes, indicate that the US-South Korea alliance will remain confrontational toward us and evolve to a more dangerous state, signaling a more volatile regional security situation,” KCNA stated.
The North Korean outlet criticized the allies for reiterating their commitment to the denuclearisation of North Korea, accusing South Korea of following the US “America First” agenda and accusing Washington of attempting to dominate the region.
KCNA specifically condemned the plan allowing South Korea to develop nuclear-powered submarines, claiming it could pave the way for the country to arm itself with nuclear weapons.
The US and South Korea had announced the agreement on Nov 14, covering trade and security cooperation, including US approval for Seoul to build nuclear-powered submarines and close collaboration on sourcing nuclear fuel.
North Korea’s remarks signal heightened tension in the region as the two allies advance their military and strategic cooperation.
