"There can't be compromise or concessions on issues to decide the security of our country and the life of our people," Han said during a visit to the Army's Second Operational Command where the allies' Key Resolve exercise was under way.

The drill, which kicked off last week, is a computer-simulated command post exercise aimed at improving their operation and combat readiness against threats from North Korea.

The minister's comments came amid a strong backlash from the North and China that have called for an immediate halt to the training for the sake of what they call "easing tensions" on the Korean Peninsula.

Seoul and Beijing are at odds each other over the just-begun installation of an advanced US missile defense system here. (Yonhap)