opinion

A spokesman for the Ministry of National Defence of the DPRK on February 11 issued the following press statement, titled “We will make clearer our choice of action and mode of counteraction against the US”:

The Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarine Alexandria of the US Navy entered the Pusan operation base of the ROK on February 10 on the pretext of the rest of the crew and replenishment of munitions.

A clear expression of the US invariable hysteria for confrontation with the DPRK, the first overt emergence of a US nuclear submarine in the Korean peninsula this year is an undeniable threat to the security environment of the DPRK and an instable factor further escalating the military tension in the region.

The US is openly ignoring the security concern of the DPRK.

We express grave concern over the US dangerous hostile military act that can lead the acute military confrontation in the region surrounding the Korean peninsula to an actual armed conflict and strongly warn that the US should stop provocations stirring up the instability any longer.

The practical reality clearly indicates why the new step for strengthening the nuclear capability and self-defensive power clarified by our head of state recently is just and which way we should inevitably advance.

We will not flinch even an inch from the conflicting structure with the outrageous rival state.

To thoroughly contain only with corresponding strength the US, the hegemonic entity believing blindly in domination by strength, is the answer the reality is giving and the responding principle we have already maintained.

Our armed forces are strictly watching the frequent appearance of the US strategic means on the Korean peninsula and are ready for using any means to defend the security and interests of the state and the regional peace.

We will make clearer our choice of action and mode of counteraction against our rivals.

The armed forces of the DPRK always faithful to the constitutional duty to defend the security of the state will do acts of deterring the factors threatening the regional security environment and unhesitatingly exercise the legitimate right to punish the provokers.