The statement said that the U.S. started a large-scale nuclear war drills targeting the DPRK by mobilizing huge forces on the Korean peninsula despite the unanimous opposition by the international community, adding:

The unprecedented drills assume extremely provocative and invasive nature, running diametrically counter to the UN Charter.

Owing to such ceaseless military provocations by hostile forces as the joint military drills, the DPRK was compelled to take decisive measures for beefing up its defense capabilities.

The test-fire of ballistic rocket conducted by Hwasong artillery units of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army shortly ago is part of exercise of a sovereign state for its just rights for self-defense.

Consistent is the DPRK's stand on the sovereignty and right to existence of a country and nation, and peace and safety in the region and the rest of the world.

We condemn the joint military drills and demand the U.S. have deep-thinking over its policy toward the DPRK for regional and global peace.