Pyongyang:North Korea has condemned joint military exercises conducted by South Korea and the United States, as well as drills involving the US and Japan. The nation has labeled these exercises as a “show of force” and declared its intention to enhance its defensive capabilities in response.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a commentary published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in English stated that North Korea would apply a “principle of reciprocity based on force.” The commentary criticized the military activities of the three nations, asserting that they pose a threat to North Korea’s security interests and undermine the strategic stability of the region.

The condemnation comes after the start of the annual “Hoguk” field exercises in South Korea, which include participation by US forces, and the commencement of the “Keen Sword” joint maneuvers between the United States and Japan. North Korea has accused Seoul of not concealing the “aggressive and provocative nature” of these exercises and stated that escalating threats require a strengthening of its deterrence measures. The regime warned that any “repeated provocations” would be met with a swift response.

North Korea also reaffirmed its commitment to developing, enhancing, and demonstrating its war-deterrence capabilities as a means to defend its sovereignty and exercise its right to self-defense. Meanwhile, the “Hoguk” exercises, involving U.S. forces stationed in South Korea, are set to continue until October 30. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff have indicated that these drills aim to improve interoperability between the forces of the two nations.