S.Korea, US Condemn N. Korea's Recent Provocations

South Korea and United States (US) condemned North Korea's recent provocations, including the launch of garbage-laden balloons and a military spy satellite.

This came during a meeting between South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, held on the sidelines of the "Shangri-La Dialogue."

According to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, both sides stated that North Korea's provocations and its missile and nuclear development, amid deepening military relations with Russia, are escalating tensions not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the Indo-Pacific region. They pledged a firm response.

The South Korean Defense Minister emphasized that North Korea’s launch of garbage-laden balloons is a serious violation of the armistice agreement and pledged support for the ongoing investigation by the United Nations Command.

During the meeting, the ministers stressed the continuation of efforts to deter North Korean threats and to enhance extended U.S. deterrence through bilateral consultative bodies, including the Nuclear Consultative Group.