North Korea has dismissed recent adjustments to the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise by the U.S. and South Korea as mere deception. These adjustments included postponing about half of the outdoor drills in what appeared to be a consideration of North Korean sensitivities.
This assertion was made on Wednesday via a commentary in Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, titled, U.S.-South Korea Joint Military Exercises: The Recognition That the Enemy Is Still the Enemy.
The newspaper accused the enemies of spreading misinformation about training adjustments, postponements, and reductions. It claimed these actions were an attempt to mislead global opinion into believing that they were moderating the exercise’s intensity to contribute to regional peace and security.
The commentary emphasized that such adjustments are not unprecedented, stating that these supposed concessions have never once effectively reduced tensions on the Korean Peninsula, nor have they ever truly impacted the execution of provocative and aggressive war exercises against their nation.
While acknowledging that some outdoor maneuver drills have been postponed to September, the newspaper asserted that the core exercises will proceed as planned. It maintained that the fundamental nature of the joint training remains unchanged, still focusing on nuclear deterrence.
The commentary further criticized South Korea for its constitutional claim over North Korean territory and its persistent dream of unification by absorption. It reiterated that inter-Korean relations remain in a state of hostility between two separate nations.
The newspaper declared that the resolve to respond thoroughly and ruthlessly to military provocations from hostile nations remains unwavering, justifying North Korea’s ongoing efforts to bolster its national defense capabilities.
In conclusion, it warned that their firm determination and ability to protect the nation’s sovereignty and security will undoubtedly be demonstrated through concrete actions in response to future U.S.-South Korea joint exercises. Further emphasizing, it is clear that their response will be proactive and overwhelming.