(VOVworld)- The US and the Republic of Korea this week began an annual joint military drill called “Ulchi Freedom Guardian” despite warnings from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The drill began with an assumption of countering nuclear attacks from Pyongyang.

The military exercises involve air, ground and naval drills

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea strongly opposed the drill, calling it preparation for a nuclear war. The North Koreans warned of preemptive attacks against South Korea at any time and that Seoul and Washington will have to pay for their actions.

The largest ever exercise

This year’s drill was the largest ever by the US and the Republic of Korea. The strategy of the drill was drafted at a meeting between the US and South Korean Defence Ministers last year.

Before the drill, North Korea asked the UN Security Council to call an emergency meeting, but the request was rejected. The Republic of Korea insists that the annual joint military drill is a routine activity by Seoul and Washington to improve their combat preparedness. Pyongyang said if the UN ignores its request, it will act on its own. Pyongyang said unless Washington and Seoul cancel these provocative exercises, peace and security on the Korean peninsula will be hard to secure. Seoul said that it would retaliate against any provocation from the North.

Sharp warnings

Tension on the Korean peninsula worsened recently due to Pyongyang’s rocket fire. Before the “Ulchi Freedom Guardian” drill and Pope Francis I’s visit to Seoul to pray for peace, North Korea launched 5 short-range missiles toward its eastern sea. Since the beginning of the year, North Korea has conducted 17 rocket launches and fired 105 missiles. The speed, distance and threat of these missile tests have increased. Pyongyang warned that all military forces participating in the drill, the White House, the Pentagon, the South Korean Presidential Palace and military bases in South Korea and the world could become targets.

A step back in efforts to improve ties between the two Koreas

North Korea’s efforts at negotiations since the beginning of this year are undeniable. Last month, Pyongyang announced it would send a delegation of 700 athletes and fans to the 17^th ASIAD Games in October in Incheon, South Korea. North Korea is also considering attending the 12^th Workshop on the UN Convention on Biodiversity to be held in Piengchang, South Korea from September 29 to October 19. But the recent tensions could set back all efforts to improve bilateral ties. The inter-Korean negotiation on family reunions scheduled for August 19^th was cancelled.

Pope Francis’s prayers for the reunification of the two Koreas may be in vain. Peace will only be achieved through dialogue, not through displays of strength.