SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea has hit back at the United States and its Asian neighbors. The North criticized their aim to denuclearize the country, calling it “absurd.” Under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, North Korea plans to strengthen its nuclear arsenal.
This statement came after a recent meeting between top U.S., South Korean, and Japanese diplomats in Germany. They discussed enhancing military cooperation and tightening sanctions against North Korea to address its nuclear ambitions.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. of pursuing an outdated plan for denuclearization, warning that any threats to its security would lead to “overwhelming and decisive counteraction.” North Korea emphasizes its commitment to boosting its nuclear forces as a defense against perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies.
In the background, there is ongoing tension as North Korea continues to view U.S. policies as hostile. Notably, the state media has avoided directly mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump, despite his past unprecedented summits with Kim Jong Un during his first term.
U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio recently met with the South Korean and Japanese foreign ministers in Munich. They reaffirmed their goal of the North’s “complete denuclearization” and highlighted the importance of maintaining effective sanctions against North Korea’s weapons program. They also agreed to enhance their defense strategies, including expanding joint military exercises.
Since Trump and Kim’s three summits in 2018 and 2019, relations have soured. Discussions broke down over disagreements regarding sanctions relief and North Korea’s nuclear program. Consequently, North Korea has ceased serious talks, increasing its military tests as a show of strength against what it calls “gangster-like U.S. threats.”
Kim is now focusing on strengthening ties with Russia, providing weapons and support amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This has raised concerns in Seoul, which fears North Korea may gain economic and technological benefits in exchange for its military support for Russia.
A recent report noted that a North Korean diplomatic delegation, led by Kim Ik Song, has traveled to Russia for meetings, though details about the discussions remain vague.
Speculation around resumed diplomacy has surfaced since Trump’s election win, but many analysts doubt a return to 2018 is feasible. The geopolitical landscape has changed significantly since then, especially with Russia’s war on Ukraine. This situation complicates how the U.S. and its allies view North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
As North Korea tries to strengthen its stance against Washington, it may find further backing from changes in global trade dynamics, particularly if a tariff battle between the U.S. and China reignites. This could enhance North Korea’s relationship with China, its primary ally and economic source.
Source link
Donald Trump, North Korea, South Korea, North Korea government, Pyongyang, Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin, General news, Asia, Asia Pacific, Russia Ukraine war, Military and defense, Mark Rubio, World news, Sanctions and embargoes, Washington news, Politics, Kim Ik, Washington News
