North Korea threatens “more offensive action” amid US-South Korea security talks

North Korea’s defence minister, No Kwang Chol, threatened on November 8 to take “more offensive action” in response to U.S.-South Korea security cooperation and the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier in South Korea.

No condemned a recent visit by U.S. and South Korean defence chiefs to the inter-Korean border and subsequent security talks in Seoul, claiming they were conspiring to strengthen deterrence against the North and integrate nuclear and conventional forces, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“This is a stark revelation and an unveiled intentional expression of their hostile nature to stand against the DPRK to the end,” he said, referring to North Korea by its formal name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The announcement followed a ballistic missile launch on November 7 into the sea off North Korea’s east coast, days after the United States imposed fresh sanctions on North Korean individuals and entities accused of cyber-related money-laundering schemes. South Korea’s defence ministry condemned the missile launch while calling North Korea’s criticism of U.S.-South Korea meetings “regrettable.”

No also cited the recent visit of the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington to Busan and joint U.S.-South Korean air drills as escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. “We will show more offensive action against the enemies’ threat on the principle of ensuring security and defending peace by dint of powerful strength,” he said, according to North Korean state media KCNA. South Korea’s navy said the carrier visit was routine, aimed at replenishing supplies and granting leave to crew members.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated on November 4 that the alliance with Seoul remains focused on deterring North Korea, while allowing flexibility for U.S. forces to operate against regional threats. President Donald Trump, during a recent visit to South Korea, reiterated his willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, though no meeting took place.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command stated on November 8 that the latest missile launch “does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies,” but warned it highlights the “destabilising impact” of North Korea’s actions.

By Vugar Khalilov