The government in Pyongyang describes joint maneuvers by South Korea and the USA as a provocation. North Korea will defend its sovereignty by all means.

The North Korean government has asked South Korea and the United States to halt large-scale military maneuvers. The exercises are a provocation that could lead to violent countermeasures, reported the regime's propaganda agency KCNA, citing the Foreign Ministry in Pyongyang. North Korea is ready to take all necessary steps to defend its sovereignty.

The maneuver had begun this Monday. According to the US Air Force, about 240 fighter jets, including F-35 stealth jets, are involved in the exercises, which will end on Friday. Around 1,600 missions are planned – more than ever during the annual maneuver. Australia wants to participate with an air refueling aircraft.

The allies justify the maneuvers by being able to react to possible threats from North Korea in case of doubt. Most recently, the North Korean government had repeatedly completed missile tests - regardless of international sanctions. Preparations for the possible resumption of nuclear tests have also begun. North Korea has already condemned its neighbor's joint exercises with the US as exercises for an "invasion."