N. Korea Accuses S. Korea, US of Espionage Activities

North Korea has accused the United States and South Korea of engaging in espionage activities near the Korean Peninsula during May.

The North Korean government warned of "immediate actions" if its sovereignty is violated, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korean Deputy Defense Minister Kim Jang Il reported that the US deployed at least 16 strategic reconnaissance aircraft, including RC-135s and U-2S planes, as well as an RQ-4B drone over the Korean Peninsula from May 13 to May 24.

These aircraft allegedly conducted "espionage activities over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" during this period.

Kim stated that the observed espionage activities during the 12-day timeframe were "at a level exceeding wartime conditions."

He emphasized that "this hostile military reconnaissance, along with numerous military maneuvers, is the primary cause of ongoing regional military tensions."

North Korea condemned what it described as the enemy's "breach of our maritime boundaries," referring to South Korean naval activities.

Kim asserted that Pyongyang "will take necessary measures" in response.

He added, "We officially warn that we cannot tolerate such continuous intrusions into our maritime sovereignty, and we may exercise our right to self-defense on or under the water at any moment."

Kim also criticized South Korea for sending balloons carrying anti-regime messages toward the North, labeling it a "serious provocation" and warning of a potential "response."

This statement was issued just hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Seoul.

The leaders are set to participate in a trilateral summit on Monday, marking the first such meeting since December 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strained relations between Seoul and Tokyo over historical disputes.