Rift develops in Seoul-US union

NO-FLY ZONE: AGREED TO BY NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA

he US opposes a plan by South and North Korea to set up a no-fly zone over their heavily fortified border, the latest sign of a rift between Seoul and its top ally, two sources familiar with the matter have said.

Washington and Seoul both publicly insist they are on the same page about dealing with Pyongyang. But behind the scenes there are growing signs of disagreement as South and North Korea forge ahead with plans to defuse military tensions and rebuild economic ties.

The military accord, sealed during last month’s summit in Pyongyang, is one of the most concrete agreements between the neighbours this year. But US officials have raised concerns that it could undermine defence readiness and comes without substantial progress on denuclearisation.

The pact includes a halt in “all hostile acts”, a no-fly zone around the border and a gradual removal of landmines and guard posts within the demilitarised zone.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed “discontent” with the agreement during a phone call, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said last week.

The no-fly zone is a key sticking point for the US because it would prevent close air support drills, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The zone, effective from November 1, will extend 40km north and south from the military demarcation line in the east and 20km in the west for fixed-wing aircraft.

The agreement also bars livefire drills involving fixed-wing aircraft and air-to-ground guided weapons in the no-fly area.

There are different restrictions on helicopters, drones and balloons, with certain exemptions. –