North Korea’s state media, KCNA, reported on Friday (Nov 28) that the recent joint military exercises conducted by South Korea and the United States are intended to deter North Korea. According to KCNA, the allies carried out a range of drills, including a naval exercise in waters near the South Korean city of Pyeongtaek, which involved deploying assets such as a guided missile destroyer and anti-submarine helicopters. In addition, the United States stationed F-16 fighter jets at air bases in both South Korea and Japan. KCNA asserted that these exercises are aimed at intimidating North Korea and other countries in the region “by force,” and accused the United States of threatening peace and stability while undermining the strategic security balance in the region.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, however, stated earlier this week that it would be preferable to suspend joint military drills once a firm peace regime is established on the Korean Peninsula. More than a week ago, South Korea proposed initiating talks with North Korea to establish a clearly defined boundary along the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) to prevent potential armed clashes along the border. KCNA noted that North Korea has not yet responded to this proposal or issued any formal reaction.

The reports highlight ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with the North perceiving the exercises as a threat, while the South and its ally, the United States, frame them as a defensive measure intended to deter potential aggression and maintain regional security. The lack of response from North Korea leaves the prospects for dialogue and de-escalation uncertain, underscoring the fragile security situation in the region.