SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to adopt the “most stringent” policies against the United States, according to reports from state media on Sunday. This declaration comes just weeks before the inauguration of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president.
Trump’s return to the White House brings the potential for renewed high-profile diplomacy with North Korea, as he had previously met Kim three times during his first term to discuss the North’s nuclear ambitions. However, experts caution that any immediate revival of discussions between Kim and Trump is unlikely, as Trump’s initial focus will likely be on ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Additionally, North Korea’s alignment with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict complicates diplomatic efforts, analysts argue.
During a recent five-day plenary session of the ruling Workers’ Party, which concluded on Friday, Kim characterized the United States as the “most reactionary state,” which sees anti-communism as a fundamental aspect of its policy. He further asserted that the trilateral security collaboration between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan has evolved into “a nuclear military bloc aimed at aggression.” Kim articulated that this situation illuminates the path North Korea must take in terms of its strategic advancements and military preparations.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim’s remarks were indicative of a robust anti-U.S. strategy that North Korea intends to pursue in furtherance of its long-term security and national interests. Although KCNA did not delve into specific aspects of this strategy, it mentioned that Kim has outlined essential tasks aimed at enhancing military strength, particularly through advancements in defense technologies. Kim also emphasized the need to fortify the mental resilience of North Korean troops.
The prior interactions between Trump and Kim not only derailed their previously aggressive verbal exchanges but also fostered a personal rapport, with Trump once famously declaring that they had “fallen in love.” However, their dialogues foundered in 2019 amid disputes over U.S.-led sanctions placed on North Korea.
In the aftermath, North Korea has significantly accelerated its weapons testing initiatives, striving to develop more reliable nuclear missile capabilities that can reach the U.S. and its allies. In retaliation, the U.S. and South Korea have broadened their military exercises, including trilateral drills with Japan, which North Korea condemns as rehearsals for invasion.
Additionally, North Korea’s growing military cooperation with Russia complicates any attempts to persuade it to relinquish its nuclear arsenal in exchange for economic and political incentives. Reports from U.S., Ukrainian, and South Korean intelligence suggest that North Korea has dispatched over 10,000 troops and conventional weapon systems to aid Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. There are increasing fears that Russia may provide North Korea with advanced weaponry technology, contributing to the development of more sophisticated nuclear missiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted last week that around 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been reported dead or injured in skirmishes in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first significant estimate of North Korean casualties since their deployment to support Russia began in October. The dynamics of the situation are further complicated by Russia and China, which have consistently obstructed U.S.-led initiatives aimed at imposing additional U.N. sanctions on North Korea, despite its ongoing missile tests that violate U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Recently, Kim voiced that his previous diplomatic engagements with the U.S. have only reaffirmed Washington’s enduring hostility toward North Korea, viewing its ongoing nuclear development as the sole safeguard against external threats.
