North Korea warns UK against ‘act of war’ after Royal Navy deployed to enforce sanctions

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North Korea called the UK's decision to send warships to the Korean peninsula an “extremely provocative act"
North Korea called the UK’s decision to send warships to the Korean peninsula an “extremely provocative act” CREDIT: REUTERS

 North Korea has accused Britain of an “act of war” for deploying warships off the Korean Peninsula to enforce international sanctions.

Pyongyang hit back at an “extremely provocative act” after Britain announced last week that a third vessel will be joining maneuvers to disrupt illicit trading between ships on open waters.

Quoting a spokesman for the Korea-Europe Association, the Korea Central News Agency said that ntercepting vessels believed to be breaking sanctions is “nothing short of an act of a naval blockade and an act of war that undermines peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula”.

The spokesman added: “The UK would be well advised to deal with its domestic issues properly, instead of ingratiating itself with others and poking into affairs that are none of their business.”

HMS Sutherland is being deployed to the region this month and two more Royal Navy warships later in the year. North Korea has been accused of evading UN sanctions on imports of banned goods – including components for the regime’s nuclear programme – in a series of ship-to-ship transfers.

HMS Argyll will be deployed to help enforce sancitons, the Royal Navy announced last week

HMS Argyll will be deployed to help enforce sancitons, the Royal Navy announced last week CREDIT: HEATHCLIFF O’MALLEY

But Pyongyang said the UK was undermining recent efforts to foster peace on the Korean peninsula ahead of key summits between North and South Korea, and the US.

The North Korean spokesperson said: “This is clearly an act that harms the positive trend for the improvement of north-south relations and easing of tension on the Korean Peninsula, which is welcomed by the entire world, and also an act of infringement upon the sovereignty of the DPRK.”

Pyongyang’s comments on Monday came just days after HMS Sutherland, a Type 23 frigate, docked in the Japanese port of Yokosuka before commencing a series of naval exercises with Japanese naval assets and patrols to interdict ship-to-ship transfers at sea between North Korean freighters and vessels flying other flags and breaking UN sanctions.

Satellites and maritime patrol aircraft have in recent months identified a number of illegal transfers and there are concerns that Pyongyang is continuing its efforts to obtain banned nuclear and missile technology.

A spokesman for the Royal Navy told The Telegraph that the units being deployed to the region have the training and capabilities to carry out stop-and-search operations against any suspicious vessels, although a decision on any such action will be taken on a case-by-case basis.

HMS Albion, an amphibious transport dock that has a Royal Marine Commando detachment on board, is scheduled to visit Japan later in the summer, while it was also announced last week that HMS Argyll, another Type 23 frigate, will be deployed to north-east Asia in November and December.

“Our armed forces are at the forefront of Global Britain and the deployment of HMS Albion, Sutherland and Argyll demonstrates our unwavering commitment to our international responsibilities and to maintaining peace, security and prosperity in the region”, said Gavin Williamson, the defence secretary, to mark HMS Sutherland’s arrival in Japan.

“Until North Korea matches its words with concrete actions, the UK will continues working closely with partners and allies to keep up pressure and strictly enforce existing sanctions, ensuring not only regional security but that of the UK as well”, he said.

 The North Korean spokesman on Monday added that London expressed concern last year about the North’s nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles posing a threat to London and “is now busy sending its warships to the region”.

“This cannot be construed otherwise than a foolish action completely ignorant of the situation on the Korean Peninsula, an action that encourages confrontation and tension … against the trend of the times”, he added.