Asia-Pacific

DPRK blasts US, ROK joint exercises

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-28 18:01

PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday blasted the US-Republic of Korea (ROK) joint exercises, saying they are bringing war to the Korean Peninsula.

ROKn naval sailors (bottom L) stand on its floating base as the sun rises off Yeonpyeong Island Nov 28, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

The DPRK's National Peace Committee issued a statement on Sunday, saying the exercises have brought the peninsula to the "abnormally serious war state," according to the official news agency KCNA.

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The exercises are "a very dangerous military provocation" and "a rude challenge" to the peace-loving Korean nation and international society, said the statement.

The exercises revealed a "bellicose policy" of the United States and ROK, showing their intention to aggression, it said.

The DPRK, which will not be frightened, has made all preparations to deal with all kinds of provocation, including provocation involving more powerful weapons than aircraft carriers, the statement added.

The statement stressed the United States and ROK must be blamed for all the consequences of the tension and deterioration of peace and stability on the peninsula.

ROK and the United States on Sunday launched a four-day joint naval drill in waters off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula.

According to reports, the USS George Washington, a nuclear-powered 97,000-ton aircraft carrier is taking part in the drill, along with several other warships.

The ROK military sent two destroyers, a naval patrol ship and an antisubmarine warfare aircraft to take part in the exercises.

Situation on the peninsula is getting tense after the exchange of artillery fire on Tuesday between ROK and the DPRK, which killed four people.