Google Alert – BD Army
Speaking during a visit to the naval destroyer Choe Hyon on Monday, Kim criticized the drills, stating they showed Washington and Seoul’s intent to “ignite a war,” according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
“The US-ROK intensified military nexus and the muscle-flexing are the most obvious manifestation of their will to ignite a war,” Kim said, adding that the current situation necessitates a “radical and swift change” in military strategy, particularly regarding nuclear armament.
KCNA reported that Kim was briefed on the destroyer’s weapons systems and expressed satisfaction with progress on making the North Korean navy more technologically advanced and nuclear-capable. The developments are reportedly on track for an evaluation in October.
The comments came as the US and South Korea launched their annual joint military exercises on Monday. The eleven-day event includes multiple large-scale, live-fire drills aimed at countering threats from the North. A US Army statement described the exercises as “defense oriented.”
Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June, reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue with Pyongyang and expressed a desire to build “military trust,” promising to respect the North’s political system. His remarks followed a statement from Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, who dismissed the possibility of improving inter-Korean ties and denied reports about the removal of border loudspeakers.
Despite President Lee’s more conciliatory stance, North Korea has shown little interest in re-engaging diplomatically.