TOKYO (Sputnik) — The South Korean top diplomat said that Russia, China, as well as the United States are also "sending a signal" concerning the escalation on the Korean Peninsula.
"What is more important than anything else is that the North should stop additional provocations to create an environment for talks. The U.S. is sending such a signal, as are China and Russia. The North should not miss the opportunity," Kang told a briefing, as quoted by the Yonhap news agency.
The minister also stressed that North Korea's "safety and economic development can be guaranteed only by its denuclearization."
"Should it make the right decision, we are willing to provide a bright future together with the international community," Kang said.
After new Pyongyang's missile launch, South Korean media reported citing a source that South Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration does not rule out that recent short-range missile launches by Pyongyang demonstrate North Korea’s readiness for dialogue despite the ongoing US-South Korean drills, criticized by the DPRK.
The situation on the Korean Peninsula has become aggravated in recent months due to Pyongyang's missile launches and nuclear tests, all conducted in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Earlier in the day, South Korean President Moon Jae-in instructed the country's Armed Forces to prepare an offensive strategy to be used in the event of a North Korean attack on Seoul. He also stressed the importance of implementing defense reform in light of the growing threat from the country's northern neighbor.
