North Korea slams US–South Korea fact sheet as “provocative,” warns of countermeasures

SEOUL, Nov 18 — North Korea has denounced the joint fact sheet issued by the United States and South Korea last week, saying it solidifies the allies’ hostile stance toward Pyongyang and will prompt the North to take countermeasures, state media KCNA reported.

In an opinion piece, KCNA said the documents — the first of their kind since leadership changes in both Washington and Seoul — show that the two countries “will remain confrontational toward us” and that their alliance is moving into a “more dangerous” phase, heightening regional security tensions.

The outlet criticised the allies for reaffirming their commitment to North Korea’s denuclearisation, accusing Seoul of submitting to Washington’s “America First” agenda and the US of seeking to dominate the region.

KCNA also warned that the plan allowing South Korea to acquire nuclear-powered submarines would open the door for Seoul to eventually arm itself with nuclear weapons.

The US and South Korea on Friday unveiled details of a wide-ranging trade and security agreement, which includes US approval for Seoul to develop nuclear-powered submarines and cooperation on securing fuel sources. — Reuters