North Korea berated the United States’ probable sale of missiles to Japan and South Korea on Monday, calling it reckless conduct that raises tensions in the region and sparks a new weapons race.
The North’s defense ministry said in a statement that Pyongyang will boost measures to establish deterrence and respond to regional instability produced by the US and its allies.
Japan is to purchase 400 Tomahawk missiles from the United States as part of the country’s largest military buildup since World War II. The Pentagon announced on Friday that the US State Department has approved the potential sale in a $2.35 billion transaction.
The US has also just approved the possible delivery of Sidewinder missiles and Standard Missile 6 Block Is to South Korea.
“We warn that the more the United States profits from indiscriminate arms sales, the more it will have to pay for the security crisis,” North Korea’s statement said.
North Korea is ready to launch a spy satellite, according to the statement. South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik indicated on Sunday that the launch could happen this week.
“We sternly warn North Korea to squarely face the reality of the international community seriously condemning its illicit activities in one voice and immediately suspend the plan to launch a military spy satellite now under preparation,” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.
The South Korean military described the satellite launch as a provocation and a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibiting the North from using ballistic missile technology.
Pyongyang has disclosed that it would demonstrate “more offensive and overwhelming counteraction capabilities,” citing what it called “military threats” from the United States and its allies.
North Korea announced on Wednesday that it has completed static testing of “new-type high-thrust solid-fuel engines” for intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), fueling suspicions about another missile test.
South Korea’s National Security Council met on Monday and declared that the military would be ready to respond promptly to “any provocation” by the North.
