North Korea Calls US-South Korea Military Drills a 'Nuclear Threat'

On Wednesday, North Korea accused the United States of increasing 'nuclear threats' due to joint military drills with South Korea and the deployment of a strategic nuclear submarine. A spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Defense stated, 'These drills and military movements by the United States indicate its intention to attack North Korea.' He added, 'We firmly condemn these actions and warn that the United States must consider the consequences of its actions.' North Korea also criticized the new U.S. strategy for countering weapons of mass destruction for labeling the isolated country as a 'persistent threat.' The statement read, 'This strategy reflects U.S. hostility towards North Korea.' In recent years, North Korea has repeatedly conducted ballistic and nuclear missile tests and is currently under severe international sanctions. On Thursday, October 6, the U.S. Department of Defense updated its 'Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Strategy' report, stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran and North Korea are 'permanent threats' in this strategy. The Pentagon also warned that North Korea could use its nuclear weapons at any stage of tensions. North Korean state media reported on Thursday the approval of an amendment to the country's constitution that strengthens North Korea's nuclear capabilities. The country's parliament, known as the 'Supreme People's Assembly,' unanimously passed an amendment on October 6 that adds 'North Korea's policy regarding nuclear capabilities' to the constitution. Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, stated in his speech to the parliament, 'Accelerating the modernization of nuclear weapons is essential for maintaining strategic deterrence.' Kim also urged officials to promote 'greater solidarity with countries standing against the hegemonic strategy of the United States and the West.' The Pentagon has classified Iran and North Korea as 'permanent threats,' Russia as a 'acute threat,' and China as a 'growing threat.' North Korea amended its constitution to strengthen its nuclear capabilities. The North Korean leader returned to his country amid increasing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. General Milley stated that North Korean military assistance to Russia is not effective in determining the outcome of the Ukraine war. A renewed meeting in Russia focused on 'missile programs and expanding military cooperation' between Kim and Putin. The North Korean leader traveled to Russia for negotiations with Putin.