North Korea Warns South Not to Cross Border by Even ‘Millimeter’

North Korea said it would not tolerate even a “millimeter” violation of its territory after South Korea conducted mine removal operations along the two countries’ heavily fortified border following an incident in which three South Korean soldiers were injured.

“If a jackboot or a spark of fire from the ROK goes even a millimeter beyond the border to violate our territory, the border guard forces of the DPRK will take an immediate and powerful counteraction,” North Korea’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, referring to both countries by the acronyms of their official names.

Three South Korean soldiers were injured in a landmine blast last month. Seoul said Monday the mine was from North Korea, prompting the removal operation. North Korea has denied any wrongdoing, calling the investigation results a fabrication.

North Korea “categorically rejects the despicable attempt” of the South, Pyongyang’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, adding that the North would “exercise its just sovereign rights in a more resolute and bold manner to ensure the security of the southern border.”

In a separate commentary, North Korean state media also criticized US weapons sales to Taiwan and said that Washington was “acting rashly.” “No one should question the ability and will of the People’s Republic of China to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and core interests,” the commentary said.

The comments come as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un steps up the country’s strategic partnership with China and Russia while shunning US efforts to resume dialogue.

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In a birthday letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, Kim said it was his “unshakable option” to develop his country’s alliance with Russia. “I reaffirm my invariable support for you and the Russian Federation,” Kim said.

North Korea has drawn closer to Russia since Moscow invaded Ukraine, with the two leaders signing a mutual defense treaty and Kim sending soldiers and weapons to help Russia’s fight against Kyiv.