South Korea Proposes Military Talks with North Korea

South Korea’s Defence Ministry proposed military talks with North Korea on 17 November to address repeated incursions across the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The proposal follows months of incidents, cited by South Korea, where North Korean troops crossed the border while conducting fortification work, including laying mines and installing new fencing. South Korea aims to establish a mutually recognized baseline for the MDL to prevent unintended clashes, stating that recent violations and corresponding warning shots by South Korean forces have heightened tensions significantly. This initiative seeks to restore military trust and reduce the risk of escalation along the border.