Seoul, August 4: North Korea has condemned the recent multinational naval exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), led by the United States, labeling it as an “aggressive rehearsal for war.” The country has warned that it will elevate its “defensive capabilities” in response.
In an article published by North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, a military commentator stated that the RIMPAC exercise symbolizes the growing military cooperation between South Korea, the United States, and Japan, aimed at establishing military dominance in the region.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the article claimed that South Korea and Japan’s roles in this year’s exercise were more extensive than in previous iterations, indicating that Washington seeks to strengthen military coordination and joint operational capabilities among the three nations.
KCNA also referenced a statement from the deputy commander of the US Pacific Fleet, who reportedly noted that the roles of South Korea and Japan are not merely symbolic but crucial for actual military operations. North Korea interpreted this as evidence that the RIMPAC exercise, one of the largest naval drills globally, is intended to prepare for potential military actions.
Additionally, North Korea criticized recent joint military programs between South Korea and the United States, which include large-scale air exercises and joint logistics training. Pyongyang alleges that these activities are part of preparations for potential military conflict on the Korean Peninsula.
The article asserted that the trilateral military cooperation among the US, Japan, and South Korea has now crossed a “red line,” creating a new crisis for peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
North Korea reiterated its stance that it will respond to any escalating military threats by enhancing its defensive capabilities. The country maintains that its security policy’s core principle is to counter “new levels of threats with new levels of defensive capabilities.”
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