N. Korea renews buildup, deploys missiles

TOKYO — North Korea has resumed its military buildup along the border with the south.

South Korean officials said Pyongyang has deployed artillery units along the border despite a year-long reconciliation effort. They said North Korea has also reorganized army divisions and is deploying short-range missiles.

South Korean Defense Minister Cho Sung-Tae convened his military commanders on Monday to discuss the North Korean military threat. Cho, who plans to meet his North Korean counterpart later this month, rejected any reduction of the defense budget and called on the government and military to boost preparations for any attack by Pyongyang.

"Whatever changes happen in inter-Korean relations and security our basic mission will not change at all," Cho said. "The military should maintain tight preparedness as the last vanguard of our national interest. North Korea's military strength and threat, as always, is top priority for the military."

The meeting was held on Monday as the Defense Ministry issued a report on the North Korean buildup. The report calls Pyongyang as the main enemy of the south.

The report said Pyongyang has deployed 500 short-range missiles as well as artillery along the 150-kilometer border. North Korea has also increased military aircraft over the last year -- from 850 to 870 -- and added four new divisions, bringing the number to 67.

In response, South Korea has acquired 20 fighters and 10 support planes. The report said the United States would deploy up to 690,000 troops on the Korean peninsula in case of an invasion from the north. Currently, the United States has 37,000 troops.

"The latest Time Phased Forces Deployment Data for any contingency on the Korean Peninsula is comprised of 690,000 soldiers, 160 navy ships and 1,600 planes," the report said.

In an unrelated issue, Taiwan has reportedly succeeded in developing the supersonic Hsiungfeng III anti-ship missile to defend against China. The Taipei-based China Times said the missile passed several tests and will soon be ready for production.