North Korea Threatens Action as South Korea, Japan, US Hold Joint Exercises
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea has threatened unspecified "powerful military countermeasures" in response to joint naval exercises involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan.
The exercises, which began on Monday, are the first such drills since 2017, when North Korea conducted a series of missile tests and detonated a nuclear bomb.
In a statement carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a spokesperson for the North Korean Foreign Ministry said the exercises were "a grave provocation" that violated inter-Korean agreements.
"The DPRK will take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity from any external threats," the spokesperson said, using the acronym for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The spokesperson did not specify what countermeasures North Korea might take, but the country has a history of responding to military exercises with missile tests or other provocative actions.
The United States, South Korea, and Japan have said the exercises are defensive in nature and are aimed at deterring North Korea from further provocations.
North Korea has been conducting a series of missile tests in recent months, including a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that is capable of reaching the United States.
The United States has warned that it is prepared to use military force to defend its allies if necessary.
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