SEOUL - South Korea, Japan and the US will conduct annual defensive drills starting on Sept 15 to upgrade aerial, naval and cyber operational capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, South Korea’s military said on Sept 5 .

The Freedom Edge exercise is an annual drill designed to implement regional peace and stability, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement, adding that the drill will be conducted in compliance with international law.

The military did not provide more details on the exercise, including the number of troops or types of equipment involved.

The exercise follows large-scale 10-day troop mobilisation drills by the South Korean and US militaries in August to assess their defence readiness against North Korean threats, which Pyongyang criticised as proof of the allies’ hostile intent against it.

The announcement comes after a dramatic appearance by the leaders of North Korea, Russia and China in Beijing this week at a major military parade that showcased China’s military might in a show of solidarity against the West.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded his visit by holding a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sept 4 ,

reaffirming his support for China’s interests

as he seeks to restore close ties with his country’s main economic benefactor.

Mr Kim also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Separately, South Korea’s defence ministry said on Sept 5 that Japan’s defence minister will attend the Seoul Defence Dialogue of senior military officials from around the world starting on Sept 8 . REUTERS

More on this topic