On August 11, North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol said he would take "resolutely respond" if provinceation occurred within the framework of the upcoming US-Korea joint exercise.
The warning was issued through the North Korean central news agency, ahead of the annual Ulchi freedom Shield exercise from August 18 to 21.
North Korea has long opposed joint drills between the US and South Korea, considering this a step of aggressive drills.
Mr. No Kwang Chol affirmed that the North Korean armed forces will deal with resolutely and thoroughly defending against the military activities of the US and South Korea. Currently, the US maintains about 28,500 soldiers in South Korea, while the two allies always emphasize defensive drills.
This tense context comes as inter-Korean relations have recently shown signs of changing. Seoul announced that the North Korean military has begun dismantling loudspeakers for propaganda along the border, after the South Korean government dismantled its system. Previously, both sides had stopped broadcasting and propaganda activities through the demilitarized zone.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June, pursues a policy of reducing tensions with North Korea. He has asked civil groups to stop issuing flying border ballot papers.
Relations between the two sides have previously fallen to a multi-year low under former President Yoon Suk Yeol, when Seoul applied a tough stance on Pyongyang.
