Pyongyang:North Korea has issued a stern warning against South Korea's ongoing joint military exercises with the United States, along with a separate drill involving the U.S. and Japan, describing them as "muscle flexing" by "enemy states." The North's response was articulated in a commentary disseminated by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

According to Yonhap News Agency, the commentary stated that North Korea would apply a "tit-for-tat principle based on strong power" in reaction to these military activities. The North emphasized that the current military maneuvers by hostile forces threaten the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) security interests and regional strategic stability, thereby justifying its self-defensive measures.

The commentary coincides with the commencement of South Korea's annual Hoguk field exercise, which began on Monday with the involvement of U.S. forces. Simultaneously, Japan has initiated large-scale military drills with the U.S., named "Keen Sword." North Korea criticized South Korea for not concealing what it perceives as the aggressive nature of these exercises, suggesting that escalating threats necessitate enhanced deterrence.

North Korea further warned that continued provocations would be met with a bolstered defensive capability. The KCNA commentary highlighted that the security situation on the Korean Peninsula has been compromised by repeated U.S.-Japan-ROK military provocations, prompting the DPRK to continually upgrade and demonstrate its war deterrent for self-defense.

The Hoguk exercise is expected to continue until October 30, with the U.S. Forces Korea participating to improve interoperability with South Korean troops, as reported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.