The U.S. has issued a stark warning about the threats posed by Kim Jong Un’s regime, claiming its “reckless and dangerous” behavior has escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The warning came in a joint statement by the U.S. and South Korea following the fifth annual meeting of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG).
“Acknowledging mounting regional threats, the ROK and the United States committed to continue close cooperation to ensure that ROK and U.S. strategies and postures enhance peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” the statement read.
The group, formed to “coordinate on security strategy and policy issues affecting the Korean Peninsula and broader Indo-Pacific,” listed the country’s ongoing ballistic missile programs and its continuous pursuit of weapons of mass destruction as aspects of North Korea’s “dangerous and irresponsible behavior.”
In response to the growing threats, the U.S. “reiterated its ironclad commitment” to deterring North Korea from launching a nuclear attack on the south, and said that any such attack would be met with a “swift, overwhelming, and decisive response.”
Newsweek has contacted the North Korean Government for comment.
North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un smiles during a departure ceremony at the airport after Russian-North Korean talks, June 19, 2024, in Pyongyang, North Korea. The U.S. and South Korea have warned that North Korea’s missile tests, attempts to develop a nuclear arsenal and provocative actions on the inter-Korean border constitute a significant threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Contributor/Getty Images
The pair also cited the country’s “recent reckless and dangerous behaviors” along the inter-Korean border’s Demilitarized Zone.
Over the past few months, South Korea has reported efforts by Pyongyang to fortify its southern border, including the erection of anti-tank barriers and the laying of landmines in the 160-mile demilitarized zone, viewed by some as preparation for an armed conflict.
Since May, North Korea has also launched thousands of balloons filled with waste into South Korea, a rejoinder to the Seoul blaring propaganda broadcasts across the border.
A North Korean guard post (top) is seen over a South Korean military fence (bottom) from the border city of Paju on June 16, 2020. North Korea has engaged in numerous provocative actions along the border, including laying landmines and floating trash-carrying balloons into South Korea.
Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images
The pair also expressed concern at the deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia.
Recent elements of this relationship include the transfer of arms to Russia, the ramping up of Pyongyang’s domestic missile production to support the invasion of Ukraine and a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the latter’s visit to Pyongyang in June.
While the U.S. issued several other warnings – concerning sanctions evasion and “malicious cyber activities” by the isolated state – it nevertheless praised South Korea’s efforts to fostering “serious and sustained diplomacy” with its neighbor.
In mid-August, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol outlined a blueprint for the eventual unification of the two Koreas, during a speech marking the 79th Korean Liberation Day, and promised that Seoul would be open for bilateral dialogue and economic cooperation with the north.
These commitments, however, run counter to the position Pyongyang has taken on cooperation with Seoul.
In December, North Korea’s leader declared the eventual unification of the countries “impossible,” and in January, amended the North Korea’s constitution to declare South Korea its “principal enemy.”
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