North Korea condemns U.S.-South Korea military drills

North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.

North Korea’s state media, KCNA, condemned the planned joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, calling them a provocation that could further destabilise the region.

The Freedom Shield drills, scheduled from March 4 to March 20, are aimed at strengthening defence readiness against potential threats from Pyongyang, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The drills include simulated conflict scenarios and joint operational planning.

KCNA warned that the military exercises would “deteriorate circumstances” on the Korean Peninsula and reiterated Pyongyang’s stance on U.S. military activities in the region.

"We have already made it clear that if the United States continues to renew its ... military demonstrations, we will have no choice but to renew ... strategic deterrence," KCNA said, without elaborating on specific countermeasures.

North Korea has long viewed U.S.-South Korean military exercises as rehearsals for invasion and has frequently responded with missile launches or military manoeuvres of its own.

Context & Background

The Freedom Shield exercises are part of broader joint military cooperation between Seoul and Washington, which includes expanded training following North Korea’s intensified weapons testing in recent years.

Pyongyang has increased missile tests over the past year, citing what it calls “hostile policies” from the U.S. and its allies. The situation remains tense as diplomatic talks remain stalled.

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