South Korea proposes military talks with North Korea on disputed border line

South Korea's Defense Ministry on Friday formally proposed military talks with North Korea to jointly verify the location of the land Military Demarcation Line, restore military communication lines and discuss ways to prevent accidental clashes, Yonhap and AP reported. Deputy Defense Minister Kim Hong-cheol said a three-way meeting including the UN Command was also possible.

Tensions have risen since Seoul blamed Pyongyang for a Sept. 21 land mine blast inside the Demilitarized Zone that injured three South Korean soldiers. North Korea has denied responsibility, and the Korea Herald reported no immediate response to the offer.

Why it matters: Seoul says differing views of where the border runs raise the risk of accidental clashes between troops.