SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared that the increasing security cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan threatens his nation’s safety and has pledged to enhance his nuclear arsenal, according to state media reports from Sunday.
Kim’s recent remarks are consistent with prior warnings; however, they indicate a resistance to engage with U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestions of rekindling diplomatic talks. In a speech commemorating the 77th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army, Kim criticized the trilateral security alliance as part of a U.S. strategy to create a regional military bloc akin to NATO, which he believes destabilizes the Korean Peninsula and poses significant challenges to North Korea’s security, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
During his address, Kim outlined plans to rapidly enhance all forms of deterrence, including nuclear capabilities, reiterating a steadfast commitment to further develop North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. In light of stalled diplomatic negotiations in recent years, Kim has concentrated on expanding and modernizing North Korea’s nuclear stockpile. In contrast, the United States and South Korea have increased their joint military exercises and trilateral training that includes Japan, which North Korea vehemently opposes, labeling these maneuvers as preparations for invasion.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has expressed intentions to renew contact with Kim, reminiscing about their high-stakes summits during his previous term. At a recent joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump stated that relations with North Korea and Kim are ongoing, boasting of their previous rapport. He proclaimed, “I think I stopped the war.”
In a Fox News interview aired on January 23, Trump described Kim as “a smart guy” and noted he is “not a religious zealot.” When asked if he would reach out to Kim again, Trump affirmed, “I will, yeah.” The previous meetings between Trump and Kim in 2018-19 aimed to negotiate an end to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions; however, talks ultimately collapsed when Trump dismissed Kim’s proposal to dismantle his primary nuclear facility in exchange for significant sanctions relief.
North Korea has yet to formally acknowledge Trump’s latest overtures, continuing its pattern of weapons testing and aggressive rhetoric towards the U.S. Analysts suggest that Kim is currently focused on supporting Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. They also speculate that Kim might reconsider diplomatic engagement with Trump if he determines that maintaining strong ties with Russia post-war proves difficult.
In his address, Kim confirmed North Korea’s unwavering support for Russia’s military campaign, alleging that the U.S. fuels the conflict in Ukraine. In South Korea, there are rising concerns that Trump may compromise the longstanding objective of achieving complete denuclearization of North Korea to secure a diplomatic victory.
Nevertheless, a joint communiqué issued by Trump and Ishiba following their summit reaffirmed both leaders’ commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea. The statement also highlighted the necessity of the Japan-U.S.-South Korean alliance in addressing North Korean threats.
