The South Korean government expects that the two Koreas can resolve pending security issues at a joint military committee, the Ministry of Unification (MOU) said on Tuesday in response to recent criticism from North Korean media.

Both North Korean internally- and externally-focused media have been ratcheting up criticism concerning South Korea’s military affairs, including joint military drills with the U.S., acquisition of F-35A stealth fighters, and the 2020-2024 mid-term defense plan unveiled in August.

An MOU official — who wished to remain anonymous — said today at a meeting with journalists that the government does not consider these state