Two Koreans exchange warning shots at border

In recent weeks, Phenyan has conducted a series of weapons tests, including those claiming to be tactical nuclear exercises, while in response, Seoul and Washington have conducted joint military exercises.

With talks stalled, reports between the two Koreas are at one of the worst points in recent years. Last month, the northeastern leader, Kim Jong Un, declared that his state is an irreversible “ <x1 nuclear power, effectively ending negotiations on stopping its nuclear weapons programme.

Despite never officially being recognised as a ceasefire agreement, the 1953 pact ended the hostilities after the Korean War, but maritime border issues continue to remain hot between the two states, which have already clashed over the issue.

The South Korean General Staff said that a North Korean merchant ship crossed into its waters, so the military reacted.

The North Central “is continuing the provocations and reckless claims that undermine peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and in the international community”, the South Korean Army said, calling for the north to stop these actions.

Meanwhile, the northeastern army said a South military ship “broke out at the de facto border, claiming that the southern army entered 2.5 km of North waters.

The exchange of warning shots came after North Korea conducted missile tests this year, including a long-range action missile that has flown over Japan.

Seoul has recently held military exercises, and the United States has deployed a nuclear-powered aircraft to the region and has conducted military exercises with Seoul and Tokyo.