In the Korean Peninsula, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has condemned the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises. The country has warned of a pre-emptive nuclear strike if there is any sign of aggression against its territory.

“From this moment, the First Strike Combined Units of the Korean People’s Army are fully ready to mount a pre-emptive retaliatory strike at all enemy attack groups involved in Ulchi Freedom Guardian,” said a KRT news reader.

A statement by the DPRK army’s General Staff called the military drill a clear provocation. However, the U.S.-led U.N. Command Military Armistice Commission said it has notified the DPRK that the exercises are “non-provocative” in nature.

The United States and South Korea began their annual military exercises Monday. About 50,000 South Korean soldiers and some 25,000 U.S. troops are joining in the Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise, which runs until September 2. Another nine countries, including Australia and Canada, are also taking part in this year’s drills.