North Korea calls US-Japan-South Korea drills a threat

North Korea said planned US-Japan-South Korea maritime drills in September are a threat to North Korea and regional countries, in a foreign ministry statement released Monday by the official KCNA news agency.

South Korea, the United States and Japan are due to hold the Freedom Edge exercise from September 7 to 11 in international waters east and south of South Korea's Jeju Island. Seoul has described the exercise as defensive.

North Korea's foreign ministry said the drills showed Washington's “hostile policy” toward North Korea. It also accused the United States of air espionage and other military provocations.

The ministry spokesperson said North Korea's nuclear weapons were “the most responsible and correct option for ensuring regional peace and security” and an “absolute guarantee” for defending its sovereignty.

Freedom Edge was first held in June 2024 after the leaders of South Korea, the United States and Japan reached an agreement at their Camp David summit in 2023.

The statement comes after Seoul and Washington ended the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which US President Donald Trump ordered cut from 11 days to five, citing costs and his relationship with Kim Jong Un. Trump has pushed for a new meeting with Kim, but North Korea has shown little sign of reciprocating.

North Korea has also condemned Washington's approval of arms sales to South Korea and plans to fund programmes documenting human rights abuses in the North.