North Korea has accused the United States of repeatedly entering its economic zone, or EEZ, in recent days. The EEZ is a maritime zone with special rights for resource exploration.
On July 10, North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, claimed a U.S. spy plane entered their EEZ. She warned of consequences if the U.S. persisted.
On July 11, Kim Yo Jong accused the U.S. of entering the EEZ eight times. She stated that the U.S. was “playing with fire” and would face serious consequences if it continued.
The Pentagon denied violating North Korea’s airspace or EEZ. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh dismissed the accusations.
Tensions between North Korea and the U.S. are high. North Korea conducted missile tests, prompting the U.S. to increase military presence in the region.
The next steps in this escalating standoff are unclear. However, it is evident that North Korea is using its EEZ to challenge the United States.
The Pentagon dismissed Pyongyang’s allegations of airspace violations and emphasized that the U.S. military had followed international law. According to Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh, the accusations made by North Korea are merely unsubstantiated claims.
A country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a designated area that extends 200 nautical miles from its territorial zone. The EEZ grants rights to exploit marine resources within this region. However, it’s important to note that the EEZ does not grant sovereignty over the water’s surface or the airspace above it.
During a regular news briefing on Monday, the U.S. State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, called on North Korea to avoid escalating actions. He also emphasized the need for North Korea to engage in serious and sustained diplomacy. Miller’s statements were made in response to inquiries regarding recent North Korean statements.
