SEOUL: On Thursday, North Korea announced plans to bolster its armed forces and introduce new weaponry along its border with South Korea.
This decision follows Seoul’s suspension of a 2018 military agreement in response to Pyongyang’s launch of a spy satellite. The North Korean defense ministry conveyed through the KCNA news agency that it intends to reinstate all previously suspended military measures, originally part of the agreement aimed at easing tensions along the border shared by both countries.
The statement declared that henceforth, our military will no longer adhere to the September 19 North-South Military Agreement. We will retract previous military measures aimed at preventing tensions across land, sea, and air. Instead, we will bolster our armed forces and introduce advanced military technology along the region adjacent to the Military Demarcation Line.
Tuesday’s satellite launch marked North Korea’s third attempt this year, following two unsuccessful tries. This launch came after a rare visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia, where President Vladimir Putin pledged support for Pyongyang’s satellite development.
South Korean authorities suggested that this recent launch likely involved Russian technical support, reflecting an increasingly close partnership where Pyongyang supplies Russia with millions of artillery shells.
While both Russia and North Korea deny engaging in arms deals, they have pledged to enhance their cooperation.
In response to Pyongyang’s launch, South Korea suspended a portion of the inter-Korean deal and announced heightened surveillance along the heavily fortified border with the North.
North Korea accused South Korea of nullifying the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA) and warned that Seoul would bear full responsibility should an irreparable clash occur between the two Koreas.
