North Korea Expresses Strong Disapproval of US Nuclear Submarine Deployment

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In a strong denouncement, North Korea has expressed its disapproval of the United States' plan to deploy a nuclear missile submarine near the Korean peninsula, cautioning that such a move could escalate into a devastating atomic conflict.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) carried a statement from an unnamed spokesperson of the North Korean defense ministry.

The person was quoted as stating that the plan, agreed upon by the leaders of the US and South Korea in April, would reintroduce US strategic nuclear weapons to the Korean peninsula for the first time since 1981.

Increase in Regional Military Tensions Feared

The spokesperson emphasized the dangerous implications of the US plan.

He stated with a warning that it would significantly heighten regional military tensions and potentially lead to the most severe crisis of nuclear conflict.

The KCNA declared the US plan as an act of nuclear blackmail against North Korea and neighboring countries, posing a grave threat to peace.

The statement held the United States fully accountable for any unforeseen situation that may arise as a result of its actions.

Agreement between the US and South Korea on Nuclear Submarine Deployment

During their meeting in April, US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol reached an agreement for a US Navy nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine to visit South Korea.

However, no specific timeline has been disclosed for the visit.

The objective behind this deployment is to strengthen the presence of US strategic assets in order to effectively address North Korea's ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile program.

North Korea Regards the US Move as a Highly Dangerous Situation

North Korea perceives the US decision to sail nuclear submarines in the region as an extremely hazardous situation that compels them to realistically consider the worst-case scenario of a nuclear confrontation.

The statement further alleged recent violations of North Korean airspace by US reconnaissance planes along the east coast, cautioning that the shooting down of a US Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane over the East Sea could occur unexpectedly.

North Korea referred to previous incidents where they had intercepted or shot down US aircraft along the border with South Korea and off the coast.

South Korean President's Participation in NATO Summit and Emphasis on Cooperation

As South Korean President Yoon prepared to attend the annual NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Tuesday and Wednesday, North Korea issued these threats.

Yoon's second consecutive participation in the summit highlights his efforts to strengthen ties with the world's largest military alliance.

Prior to his departure, Yoon stressed to The Associated Press news agency the importance of demonstrating the international community's determination to deter North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

He asserted that this resolve must surpass North Korea's desire to develop nuclear weapons.

Yoon further stated that South Korea will emphasize the significance of international cooperation against North Korea's unlawful actions during the NATO meeting.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)