South Korea proposes talks to officially end war with North

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed direct talks with North Korea to officially end the ongoing conflict that remains technically a war. The two nations have been in a state of war since the signing of an armistice in 1953, though clashes and tensions have occurred along the de-facto border, the demilitarised zone (DMZ), over the intervening decades.

Lee suggested a "multi-layered security system" to reduce the risk of flare-ups and offered to discuss practical measures to curb North Korea's nuclear ambitions. North Korea has consistently tested ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, a move perceived in Seoul and nearby Japan as an act of intimidation. The conflict has been frozen since the armistice, but there have been incidents of provocations by both sides, such as the dropping of balloons with rubbish and propaganda.

Lee, who succeeded President Yoon Suk Yeol following the latter's impeachment, has sought to improve relations with North Korea and its ally China, which had deteriorated during Yoon's tenure. During a ceremony commemorating the liberation from Japanese rule, Lee called for discussions to end the long-standing war between the nations.

North Korea, which declared itself a nuclear power in 2022 and vowed never to give up its weapons, has yet to respond to Lee's proposal. The authoritarian regime's state news agency reported on Kim marking the country's Liberation Day with a wreath-laying and guard of honor, while North Korea has previously dismissed Lee's overtures, criticizing a deal for the US to build South Korea a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and denouncing joint military drills between the two allies.

In a further display of defiance, North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea on Tuesday, the 11th suspected test this year, just days before the planned US-South Korea joint military exercise.