[the300] North Korea Criticizes Trilateral Air Drill by South Korea, the US, and Japan After ICBM Launch
Kim Yo-jong, sister of Kim Jong-un and the deputy director of the Workers’ Party of Korea, recently condemned the trilateral military air exercise between South Korea, the US, and Japan, following North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch.
In her statement on November 5, released through the Korean Central News Agency, Kim Yo-jong highlighted the “objective reality” that the destabilization of the power balance on the Korean Peninsula could lead to war. She asserted that regardless of denials, the imbalance of power favors North Korea with its nuclear capabilities.
Kim emphasized the legitimacy of North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, stating that the increasing military threats from adversaries only justify their policy for nuclear arms development. Her statement follows the air drills conducted by South Korea, the US, and Japan on November 3, which included strategic bombers like the US B-1B Lancer engaging in simulated target strikes.
Kim criticized the trilateral exercise as a provocative act targeting North Korea, describing it as the most hostile and invasive nature of the enemy forces. She also claimed the drills serve as proof for North Korea’s need and urgency to strengthen its nuclear capabilities.
Furthermore, Kim accused the US and its allies of planning numerous military exercises aimed at North Korea throughout the year, asserting that these actions underscore the necessity of North Korea’s strategic military policies to protect national and regional security reliably. She warned that as adversary military activities increase, so will the strength and urgency of North Korea’s defensive measures, ensuring that their path towards nuclear deterrence is unwavering and steadfast.
Concurrently, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from the Hwanghae-bukdo area at about 7:30 AM, an action perceived as an attempt to assert its presence just before the US presidential election.