ROK will respond to 'provocations'

The Republic of Korea said on Monday that it will make a stern response to possible provocation from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which fired short-range projectiles a day earlier.

ROK Unification Ministry spokesman Lim Byeong-cheol said the government will sternly deal with DPRK provocations while closely monitoring changes in the DPRK's attitude and situations.

Lim, however, said Seoul will maintain its position that it will seek to build trust through cooperation and dialogue with the DPRK.

His comments came a day after the DPRK fired short-range projectiles, presumed to be tactical missiles.

It marked the DPRK's second missile launch in 2015, after firing anti-ship missiles on Friday in waters off the Wonsan area.

US Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken said on Monday that pressure should be kept on the DPRK until it shows sincerity toward dialogue.

The Six-Party Talks, involving the ROK, DPRK, China, the US, Russia and Japan, were initiated in Beijing in 2003 but have been halted since 2008.

Xinhua - AFP

This undated picture released on Monday shows the test-firing of a new type of missile, which will be carried by Korean People's Army naval vessels. Kcna Via Agence France-Presse