South Korea proposes military talks with North Korea as border tensions rise

South Korea on Friday formally proposed military talks with North Korea. Kim Hong-cheol, deputy minister for defense policy, said in a televised statement that the aim is to agree on the exact location of the land border, reduce the risk of accidental clashes and restore military hotlines. The U.S.-led United Nations Command could also join if necessary, he said, adding that dates and a venue would be arranged through Panmunjom.

The offer follows a landmine blast in the Demilitarized Zone in September that injured three South Korean soldiers, according to AP (Reuters reported two seriously injured). Seoul's military blamed North Korean mines planted south of the Military Demarcation Line; Pyongyang denies it. South Korea says North Korean troops have crossed the line about 50 times this year during fortification work.

It is unclear whether the North will respond. Pyongyang ignored a similar proposal last November. Earlier this week, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said the North would resume propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts along the border. Marshal Pak Jong Chon denied any border violations and threatened an “overwhelming response” to provocations.