calendar>>February 6. 2019 Juche 108

Rodong Sinmun Blasts S. Korean Military for Running High Fever in Arms Buildup

Pyongyang, February 6 (KCNA) -- Days ago, south Korean Defence Ministry made public "2019-2023 mid-term defense program" under the pretext of "coping with military threat and security change" expected at present and in the future. Under the program south Korean military is trying to spend military spending 13.6% more than the previous program. And it is seeking to launch into large-scale arms buildup after renaming "triad strike system" "system of countering nuclear and weapons of mass destruction". The south Korean military has already made public a plan to deploy Stealth F-35As for an actual war and introduce all kinds of foreign-made arms and equipment.

Rodong Sinmun Wednesday says in a commentary that the moves of the south Korean military are a challenge to the desire and aspirations of all Koreans for permanent and durable peace of the Korean Peninsula and undisguised provocation against the DPRK.

The joint military exercises with foreign forces incessantly staged in south Korea in the past and large-scale arms buildup including the introduction of war hardware from other countries have been a source of tension on the Korean Peninsula, the commentary says, and goes on:

The entire Korean nation and the international community want to see practical measures to remove north-south military hostility on the whole of the Korean peninsula including the land, sky and seas.

The public at home and abroad asserts that the south Korean military should sharply cut surplus arms and equipment under the present situation.

The south Korean military's redoubled efforts for arms buildup is a revelation of its intention to seek a showdown with the fellow countrymen.