Seoul: North Korea on Tuesday denounced the recent arrival of a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine in South Korea, accusing Washington of ignoring Pyongyang's security concerns and warning that it is ready to use any means to defend its national security. North Korea's defense ministry made the remarks a day after the USS Alexandria, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, arrived at the Busan naval base, some 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, to replenish supplies and allow crew members to rest.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a spokesperson at the North's defense ministry called the submarine's arrival a clear expression of the U.S.' "invariable hysteria for confrontation" with North Korea and an "undeniable threat" to its security environment. The spokesperson stated that "the U.S. is openly ignoring the security concerns" of North Korea, expressing "grave concerns" and warning the U.S. to stop provocations that stir up instability. The statement emphasized that North Korea's armed forces are closely monitoring the presence of U.S. strategic means on the Korean Peninsula and are prepared to use any measures to protect the nation's security and regional peace.
The spokesperson further noted that North Korea's military would act to deter factors threatening regional security and would not hesitate to exercise the legitimate right to punish provocations. This statement represents North Korea's latest response to the deployment of U.S. strategic assets in the region.
On Sunday, North Korea criticized recent joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S., involving the strategic U.S. B-1B bomber, accusing them of heightening tensions and warning of "undesired results." This stance is also perceived as a challenge to the newly inaugurated Donald Trump administration, which has signaled its intention to reengage with Pyongyang.
An official from South Korea's unification ministry assessed that North Korea's reaction is part of its consistent pattern of targeting the U.S.'s strategic deployments in the region. The official, speaking anonymously, noted that North Korea has frequently issued critical statements regarding U.S. strategic deployments since the Washington Declaration between South Korea and the U.S. in April 2023. The declaration, announced by the countries' presidents, commits both nations to enhanced dialogue and information sharing to bolster nuclear deterrence on the Korean Peninsula.