North Korea warns South Korea over 'violations' at maritime border

North Korea has stated that it may exercise its right to self-defense against "violations" of the disputed maritime border with the South.

According to a report by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Vice Defense Minister Kim Kang-il issued a statement regarding "violations" of the contested maritime boundary between the two countries.

Kim stated, "We officially notify that we will never tolerate violations of our maritime sovereignty and that we may exercise our right to self-defense at any moment."

The statement is notable for being issued ahead of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

It is known that the Northern Limit Line (NLL), which is assumed to be the de facto maritime border between North and South Korea, remains a source of dispute between the two nations.