In this line, she stressed that "the only way" to peace and security on the Korean peninsula is for Pyongyang to cease "illegal and destabilizing" actions and return to dialogue.

In recent days the North Korean authorities have continued with ballistic tests over the Sea of Japan, among the twenty or so projectiles launched this week one flew over the maritime demarcation line between the two Koreas for the first time since the war between the two countries, setting off anti-aircraft sirens on one of the South Korean islands.

Against this backdrop, the South Korean and U.S. Air Forces have announced their decision to extend the period of the joint air exercise 'Vigilant Storm' in response to the recent "provocation" by Pyongyang.