North Korea warns of ‘more offensive action’ after US-South Korea security talks

North Korea’s defence minister, No Kwang Chol, warned on Saturday that Pyongyang would take “more offensive action” after condemning recent US-South Korea security talks and the arrival of a US aircraft carrier in South Korea.

The statement came a day after North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast, following Washington’s announcement of new sanctions targeting North Korean individuals and entities allegedly involved in cyber-related money-laundering schemes.

South Korea’s defence ministry denounced the missile launch, calling the North’s criticism of the talks “regrettable”. No accused the US and South Korea of conspiring to enhance deterrence efforts and integrate nuclear and conventional forces after their meeting in Seoul and visit to the inter-Korean border.

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“This is a stark revelation and an unveiled intentional expression of their hostile nature to stand against the DPRK to the end,” No said, referring to North Korea’s formal name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated earlier in the week that the alliance with Seoul would continue to prioritise deterring North Korea while also allowing flexibility for US forces stationed in the region to respond to broader threats.

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No also condemned the arrival of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington at the South Korean port of Busan following joint air drills between the two countries. “We will show more offensive action against the enemies’ threat on the principle of ensuring security and defending peace by dint of powerful strength,” he said, according to state media outlet KCNA.

South Korea’s navy clarified that the carrier’s visit was for resupplying and crew leave.

During his visit to South Korea last week, US President Donald Trump reiterated his willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Although no meeting took place, Trump said he remained open to returning to the region for talks.

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North Korea also test-fired cruise missiles to the west of the peninsula last week, coinciding with regional meetings attended by Trump and other leaders in South Korea.

In response to the latest ballistic missile launch, the US Indo-Pacific Command stated on Saturday that it “does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or territory, or to our allies,” adding that the incident underscored the “destabilising impact” of North Korea’s actions.