The North Korean delegation insisted the deployment of more B-2 bombers to Guam and F-16 fighters to South Korea was not a legitimate response to its planned rocket launch, which, it said, was part of a peaceful space programme, not a long-range missile test.
The meeting of generals from each side was the first at such a level for almost seven years, although talks between colonels are more frequent. The meeting lasted only 32 minutes but the UN said there would be further talks at an unspecified date.
“The UN Command welcomed this discussion with North Korea which holds the prospect for building trust and preventing misunderstanding between the two sides,” said Major General Johnny Weida of the US Air Force, who lead the UN delegation.