South Korea called North Korea “our enemy” for the first time in six years in a biennial defense document released Thursday.
The document states that “North Korea’s government and military … are our enemies because they have not given up their nuclear weapons and continue to pose a military threat to us.” reported.
A country’s description of rivals in defense documents usually reflects the relationship between the two. During past periods of hostilities, South Korea has referred to its neighbors as “main enemies”, “current enemies”, or “enemies”.
No such reference was made when the relationship was on better terms.
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A North Korean military security post (rear) and a South Korean post (bottom) are seen in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, on Thursday, February 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Ahn Young Joon)
The documents also include North Korean leader Kim Jong-un calling South Korea an “unquestionable enemy” in a speech at a major ruling party meeting in December, and the passage of a new North Korean law allowing the first use of nuclear weapons. It was Weapons for a wide range of scenarios.
Kim Jong-un was also mentioned by his name only – a change from documents issued under former President Moon Jae-in, where the reference included his title.
The latest defense documents list the primary purpose of South Korea’s defense policy as preparing for threats and potential aggression from North Korea, stating that its nuclear program and provocations “seriously threaten our security.” I am,” he added.
Deterring war on the Korean Peninsula and contributing to the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula are also included in SK’s defense objectives.
North Korea did not immediately react to the return of the enemy designation, according to the Associated Press. In the past, North Korea has lashed out at similar terms by accusing South Korea of showing hostility.
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A South Korean soldier works with a K-9 self-propelled howitzer in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Thursday, February 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Ahn Young Joon)
In 1995, South Korea called North Korea a “main enemy” for the first time since North Korea threatened to turn Seoul into a “sea of fire.” Similar rhetoric has been used repeatedly since then when tensions have risen.
South Korea stopped using the term in the 2000s when hostilities were low, but returned to using it in 2010 after a North Korean torpedo attack killed 50 navy sailors.
South Korea again avoided calling North Korea an enemy when President Moon ruled from 2017 to 2022.
A defense document released at the time did not mention North Korea by name when it said the South Korean military “considered as an enemy any force that threatens or violates the sovereignty, territory, people and property of the Republic of Korea.” rice field.
Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office in May 2022, has promised a firm response to North Korea’s provocations. During his election campaign, he wrote on Facebook that SK’s “main enemy is North Korea” after SK conducted a series of missile tests.
South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol speaks during an interview at the Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, January 10, 2023. (AP photo/Lee Jin-man)
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North Korea will conduct more than 90 cruise and ballistic missile tests in 2022. This includes a simulated nuclear attack on South Korea. Highest number of tests ever.
In response, Yoon said he wanted a stronger security commitment from the United States and a stronger South Korean military.
