North Korea warns of stronger action over South's drills with US, Japan / Photo: Handout - South Korean Defence Ministry/AFP/File
-
US strikes second alleged Venezuelan drug boat as tensions mount
-
Protesting Peru residents block trains to Machu Picchu
-
US strikes another alleged Venezuelan drug boat as tensions rise
-
White House vows to take on left-wing 'terror' movement after Kirk killing
-
Brazil's Amazon lost area the size of Spain in 40 years: study
-
US Senate poised to advance Trump aide's appointment at Fed
-
Sri Lanka survive Hong Kong scare for four wicket Asia Cup win
-
Arab, Muslim leaders urge review of Israel ties after Qatar attack
-
Mbappe 'not anxious' over Champions League goal as Bellingham returns
-
Huge pot of Nigerian jollof rice sets Guinness record
-
Heartbreak will help Arsenal's Champions League charge: Arteta
-
Europe stumped by Trump demands over Russia sanctions
-
Cycling fears spread of race-halting protests after Vuelta chaos
-
US, China reach 'framework' deal on TikTok ownership
-
'With our fists if necessary': Venezuelans prepare to defend homeland against potential US invasion
-
Duplantis thrives on Tokyo energy to break world record again
-
Ex-France defender Umtiti calls time on club career
-
One in six US parents rejecting standard vaccine schedule: poll
-
Sheffield Utd appoint Wilder for third managerial spell
-
UAE hammer Oman in Asia Cup to keep Super Four hopes alive
-
Activists on trial as France debates right to die
-
Duplantis reaches new heights, Beamish makes Kiwi history at worlds
-
Frank relishing Champions League debut with Spurs
-
Spanish PM calls for Israel to be barred from international sport
-
UK aristocrat, partner get 14 years for baby daughter's manslaughter
-
US says 'framework' deal with China on TikTok ownership
-
Shootings 'unjustified' in Bloody Sunday killings, Belfast court hears
-
Three French women accused of IS links go on trial
-
'Stoked' Beamish stuns tearful El Bakkali for world steeplechase gold
-
Israel attack aimed to halt Gaza talks, Qatar emir tells emergency summit
-
Stocks push higher ahead of expected US rate cut
-
Duplantis sets new pole vault record as retains world title
-
US announces 'framework' TikTok deal with China
-
Kiwi Beamish stuns tearful El Bakkali for world steeplechase gold
-
Mbappe not anxious over Champions League wait: Alonso
-
Japan medal hope Muratake relishing stage at Tokyo worlds
-
Right-to-die activists on trial in France as lawmakers debate end-of-life bill
-
Singing British hurdler Donovan in tune on world debut
-
'Multiple concussions' force France lock Willemse to retire
-
Athletic 'not afraid' of Arsenal on Champions League return: Inaki Williams
-
Hatton's family speak of 'immeasurable' loss after boxer's death
-
Rubio promises 'unwavering support' for Israel in Gaza goals
-
Stocks diverge ahead of expected US rate cut
-
Alfred out of world 200m with hamstring strain
-
Ex-British soldier goes on trial in landmark Bloody Sunday case
-
Pro-Palestinian protestors invading Vuelta course 'unacceptable': organisers
-
Fruit fly tests in Greece target invasive species threat
-
US 'very close' to TikTok deal with China: US Treasury chief
-
Paolini vows to 'fight until last ball' for BJK Cup glory
-
'Multiple concussions' forces France lock Willemse to retire
NYSE - LSE
North Korea warns of stronger action over South's drills with US, Japan
North Korea condemned on Friday joint military drills between South Korea, Japan and the United States held this week, threatening to respond by exercising its right to self-defence "more intensively".
The trilateral exercise was held after Pyongyang launched in recent weeks what it claimed was a new hypersonic missile system and short-range ballistic missiles, ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's return to office on Monday.
Pyongyang's remarks came after the allies staged joint air drills, involving two US B-1B heavy bombers over the Korean peninsula on Wednesday.
North Korea's foreign ministry expressed "serious concern over the provocations" by South Korea, Japan and the United States, Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Friday.
The joint drills "clarifies once again" the North's need to exercise its sovereign rights and security interests "more intensively", it added.
North Korea "will strongly deter any military provocation planned by the hostile forces and firmly defend the security interests of the state", the ministry added, according to KCNA.
Such joint military exercises regularly infuriate the nuclear-armed North, which decries them as rehearsals for invasion.
Experts said the recent launches by the North, which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War, could be a message to Trump's incoming administration.
Trump's nominee to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, recently labelled North Korea as a "nuclear power" in a statement submitted to a Senate panel, according to reports.
Responding to Hegseth's alleged comments, South Korea's defence ministry said Thursday that Pyongyang's status as a nuclear power "cannot be recognised" and that it will work with the United States to denuclearise the North.
Relations between the two Koreas have been at one of their lowest points in years, with the North launching a flurry of ballistic missiles last year in violation of UN sanctions.
US and South Korean intelligence also have said that North Korea started in October to send thousands of troops to fight against Ukraine and has since suffered hundreds of casualties.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting South Korea last week when the North launched the alleged hypersonic missile.
He said there was evidence Russia was stepping up support for North Korea as a reward for its help fighting Ukraine, including help on advanced space and satellite technology.
O.Karlsson--AMWN