North Korea Condemns U.S.-South Korea Drills as War Threat
The United States military exercises are hindering dialogue between the Republic of Korea and North Korea.
Consensus
- The joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Africa, named Ulchi Freedom Shield, are scheduled to start on August 17 and end on August 27.
- North Korea has condemned the exercises, calling them a threat to its security and a rehearsal for war.
- North Korea claims the exercises are aimed at preparing for real military confrontation with Pyongyang.
- The exercises are described by North Korea as having a provocative character and increasing regional instability.
- The exercises involve tens of thousands of military personnel and military equipment from the U.S., South Korea, and other countries.
Points of divergence
- Russia's Institute of Asia and Africa believes the U.S. aims to increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and prevent dialogue between South Korea and North Korea by involving South Korea in a military conflict. — vesti
- The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the exercises are a 'demonstration of aggression' and that the U.S. is preparing for war with Pyongyang. — kommersant
- North Korea stated it will respond with a 'new level of deterrence' in response to the exercises. — interfax
Coverage (4 sources)
- US military exercises hinder dialogue between Republic of Korea and DPRK — Вести
- North Korea calls upcoming US and South Korea exercises a threat to security — Коммерсантъ
- North Korea considers upcoming US and South Korea exercises a threat to regional security — Интерфакс
- In North Korea, US and South Korea exercises called 'rehearsal of aggressive war' — Вести
Key entities
- USA
- South Korea
- DPR
- Pyongyang
- CTAK
- Moscow
- MID
- Republic of Korea
- INTERFAX.RU
- Washington
- Institute of Asian and African Countries
- States
- IT 'News'
- United States
- Alexey Maslov