SEOUL: South Korea’s intelligence chief has claimed that Russia in July attempted to broker joint naval drills with China and North Korea, western media reported on Monday.
As per media reports Kim Kyou-hyun, head of the South Korean National Intelligence Service said this while briefing the parliament in a closed-door session. He disclosed the same information while interacting with reporters during a news conference.
Russian Defense Minister proposes joint exercise
The offer to hold trilateral naval exercises was made during a visit to North Korea by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in July. Shoigu visited North Korea from July 25 to 27, where he met with leader Kim Jong Un.
There are no reports that when this exercise would be held.
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S. Korean intelligence officials believe the offer was made in response to Operation Ulchi Freedom Shield, a major joint military drill between the United States and South Korea. The exercise was conducted over the final 10 days of August.
Pyongyang has been critical of the joint military drills terming them preparation for a war against N. Korea. American and South Korean officials have dismissed the allegations.
The development comes following a simulated tactical nuclear attack by North Korea on Sunday. The exercise using mock nuclear warheads was envisioned to warn United States of its nuclear capabilities.
