South Asian News Network

The US-Japan military collaboration has drawn criticism from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has threatened retaliatory actions, such as the expansion of nuclear weapons, and said it is increasing regional tensions. The deployment of US nuclear strategic assets, war drills, and military collaboration with South Korea and Japan, he said, were causing a military imbalance and presenting a serious threat to the security situation.

Kim said the DPRK will support Russia in defending its territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty and will take persistent actions to maintain the military balance in the area. While North Korea’s KCNA has criticized South Korea’s military engagement with the United States this year and warned that aggressive moves would have unintended repercussions, South Korea has accused North Korea of planning to transfer additional troops to Russia.