North Korea warned Oct. 20 that it would respond in kind to separate U.S. military exercises with South Korea and Japan, casting the drills as threats to its security and regional stability.
A commentary carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said a “tit-for-tat principle based on strong power” would govern its response. It accused the three countries of undermining regional stability.
The warning covered both exercises. Discussing the South Korea-U.S. drill specifically, the commentary said North Korea needed a stronger deterrent against what it called repeated provocations. It also said Pyongyang would continue improving and demonstrating its military capabilities.
The Korea Herald identified the exercises as South Korea’s annual Hoguk field exercise and the separate U.S.-Japan Keen Sword drill. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said US Forces Korea is participating in Hoguk to improve coordination with South Korean troops.
Hoguk is due to end Oct. 30.
