North Korea warns of 'security crisis' if US and South Korea escalate tensions

North Korea has accused South Korea and the US of 'hostile acts'.

North Korea said South Korea and the United States are risking a "huge security crisis" by choosing to escalate tensions, North Korea state media reported on Wednesday citing a top Workers' Party official. Kim Yong Chol, a general and politician who played a leading role during historic summits between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and former U.S. President Donald Trump, criticised South Korea and the United States for responding to Pyongyang's goodwill with "hostile acts". The statement comes a day after Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un, warned Seoul and Washington over annual joint military drills set to begin this week. North Korea did not answer routine calls on inter-Korean hotlines on Tuesday, South Korea said.