North Korea: The sister of the country's leader warns of a serious danger due to the deterrence agreement between the United States and South Korea
Kim Yo Jong occupies a prominent role in the power hierarchy in North Korea, and is said to have influence over leader Kim Jong Un.
The North Korean leader's sister, who wields powerful influence in the country, has warned that the latest deal between the US and South Korea will lead to "more serious danger".
State media reported that Kim Yo Jong said that North Korea's nuclear deterrence "must be brought to perfection".
Due to North Korea's nuclear threats, Washington has deployed its nuclear capitals in the South Korean Sea and involved them in nuclear planning.
South Korea agreed not to develop nuclear weapons to save face with its northern neighbor.
The deal, known as the Washington Declaration, was announced this week during US President Joe Biden's talks with his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Sok Yul, in the US capital.
Referring to the agreement, Kim said, "The more enemies desperately rehearse nuclear war, and the more nuclear assets they deploy near the Korean Peninsula, the greater our right to self-defense, in line with their practices."
And she warned that this step "will only lead to grave danger to peace and security in Northeast Asia and the world."
Kim holds a high position on the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, and is said to have influence over her brother, leader Kim Jong Un.
President Biden praised the agreement, saying it would enhance the cooperation of allies to deter any attack by North Korea.
The South Korean president said the agreement represented an "unprecedented" commitment by the United States to deter attacks and protect allies with the use of nuclear weapons.
China warned against "deliberately provoking tensions, confrontations and threats".
The two sides will also set up a nuclear advisory group to discuss planning issues.
Seoul politicians have long sought pressure on Washington to get them more involved in planning how and when to use nuclear weapons against North Korea.
And growing concern on both sides about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.
Pyongyang is developing tactical nuclear weapons that can target its southern neighbor, and improving its long-range weapons that can reach the mainland of the United States.
Under the treaty, the United States is already committed to the defense of South Korea, and has previously pledged to use nuclear weapons if necessary. But some in South Korea are beginning to question this commitment and urge their country to continue its nuclear programme.