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North Korea's ruler Kim Jong Un during a television broadcast in South Korea
Photo: Lee Jin-man/AP
North Korea has been provoking new missile tests for months, and dictator Kim Jong Un is sticking to his nuclear weapons program.
Now neighboring South Korea and the USA have agreed on new military exercises – the self-declared nuclear power North Korea promptly threatens tough countermeasures.
The Foreign Ministry in Pyongyang accused both countries of preparing a "war of aggression".
If the maneuvers take place as planned, there will be "unprecedented constant and strong counteractions," said a ministry spokesman according to state media reports.
Observers see this as an indication of a new series of missile tests or a new nuclear test.
“Strengthening US Enhanced Deterrence”
The United States and South Korea reject all allegations that the maneuvers are preparing for an attack.
The Ministry of Defense in Seoul announced a military simulation for next week in Washington under the scenario that North Korea uses nuclear weapons.
"With the focus on North Korea's nuclear threats, both sides will engage in in-depth discussions on various avenues to strengthen US enhanced deterrence."
Both countries had agreed in November to resume annual business games.
A spring maneuver in South Korea is planned for March.
The conflict on the Korean peninsula has become explosive again since last year.
North Korea, which is largely isolated internationally, increased the scope and speed of its missile tests despite being banned by UN resolutions.
Last October, the country fired a ballistic missile into the sea over Japanese territory.
In early February, the country threatened South Korea and the United States with a harsh response to planned joint military exercises.
mrc/dpa
