U.S. and South Korea condemn North Korea's intentions to launch new spy satellites
U.S. and South Korea condemn North Korea's intentions to launch new spy satellites (Getty Images)
South Korea and the United States jointly condemned the recent provocative actions of North Korea, particularly its announcement of launching new spy satellites, according to the Ministry of Defense of South Korea.
Deputy Minister of Defense for Policy Cho Chang Re and Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs in the United States, criticized North Korea's recent provocative actions. These discussions marked the first talks since the new Deputy Minister of Defense of South Korea assumed office.
"Both sides strongly condemned North Korea's recent provocative actions, prohibited by the UN Security Council, such as the escalation of nuclear and missile capabilities and the announcement of launching additional reconnaissance satellites," said the ministry.
The Ministries of Defense of South Korea and the U.S. affirmed their resolute opposition to any provocations and threats from North Korea that could destabilize the region. Ratner confirmed the unwavering commitment of the U.S. to extended deterrence to protect South Korea, as reported by the Pentagon. The U.S. pledged to utilize its full spectrum of military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its ally.
The ministers also discussed the importance of continuing deepening trilateral security cooperation with Japan, according to the statement.
North Korea's satellite launches
It was previously reported that at the end of 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed the intention to launch three rockets and deploy new spy satellites in 2024.
Additionally, on November 22, North Korea launched a ballistic missile with a spy satellite on board. South Korean intelligence data suggests that Russia provided assistance in the launch.
