South Korea seeks North Korea border talks after blast

South Korea proposed military talks with North Korea on Friday to confirm the precise location of their land border, restore military communication lines and prevent accidental clashes after a Demilitarised Zone blast further strained relations.

Kim Hong-cheol, South Korea's deputy defence minister for policy, said dates and locations could be discussed through Panmunjom, the truce village where troops from both Koreas stand face to face. He said three-way talks involving the United Nations Command would also be possible.

South Korea last month blamed the DMZ blast, which injured three South Korean soldiers, on landmines laid by North Korea. Pyongyang has repeatedly rejected the accusation.

The proposal came days after Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said Pyongyang had moved new troop units into "firing position" along the border. North Korea also said this week it was considering deploying additional "tactical strike means" to the area.

South Korea's defence ministry said it was difficult to predict what further incidents could occur if the situation was not addressed. It said military talks proposed last year had not received a response from Pyongyang.