Seoul: South Korea's top military officer on Tuesday called for vigilance against North Korea's threats as he inspected the military's readiness posture during a visit to border islands in the Yellow Sea, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. JCS Chairman Adm. Kim Myung-soo made the call as he visited the islands of Baengnyeong and Yeonpyeong near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) -- the de facto inter-Korean maritime boundary - earlier in the day, according to his office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim emphasized the strategic importance of the northwestern border islands, labeling them as front-line units that first face potential provocations from the enemy. He urged the troops stationed there to maintain a posture that can instantly and firmly respond to any provocation. This visit underscores the heightened state of alertness required due to ongoing threats.
In addition to addressing military readiness, the JCS chief also highlighted the importance of protecting the lives and properties of South Korean citizens. He instructed the troops to actively respond to illegal fishing activities by Chinese vessels, which have been a concern during the peak crabbing season, further complicating the security dynamics in the region.
This inspection by the top military officer coincides with North Korea's efforts to strengthen its naval capabilities. Recently, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the launching ceremony of a new 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, signaling an advancement in their maritime military assets.