In a strongly worded statement, the sister of North Korea’s leader, Kim Yo Jong, described attempts by Washington and its Asian partners to denuclearize North Korea as mere “fantasies.” She emphasized that her nation holds no intention of surrendering its nuclear arsenal.
Kim Yo Jong, a prominent figure in North Korea’s foreign policy, made these remarks in reaction to a recent assembly between the diplomatic chiefs of the United States, South Korea, and Japan. The trio reiterated their resolve to pursue denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. Highlighting that North Korea’s commitment to expanding its nuclear weaponry is cemented in its constitution, Kim branded any external discourse on denuclearization as a “hostile act” that undermines North Korea’s sovereignty.
She added that persisting in calls for denuclearization only provides North Korea with further justification to bolster its defensive nuclear capabilities. According to Kim, the nuclear weapons status of North Korea is irreversible, regardless of any external pressure or tactics employed.
The region’s tensions have escalated as Kim Jong Un continues to showcase his nation’s military might, notably aligning with Russia amidst Vladimir Putin’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite ongoing appeals from Seoul and Washington to resume discussions, North Korea remains defiant on its nuclear stance.
While former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed an interest in re-engaging with Kim Jong Un, attempting to revive diplomatic channels, North Korea has yet to respond positively. Trump and Kim had previously met for diplomatic discussions, which deteriorated due to discord regarding the lifting of U.S.-led sanctions in exchange for de-escalation in North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un’s foreign policy has shifted focus towards Russia. This realignment has seen North Korea providing military resources to Russia, purportedly receiving economic and technological support in return for its wartime allegiance.
Kim Yo Jong’s declaration followed an incident where South Korean forces fired warning shots at North Korean soldiers who breached the border. The South Korean military identified approximately 10 North Korean soldiers trespassing. Upon being warned and fired at, the group retreated without reciprocating the aggression.
It remains unclear if South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo brought up North Korea’s nuclear stance during a recent call with Donald Trump. In his social media posts, Trump mentioned their dialogue focused on economic matters and the expenses related to the U.S.’s military presence in South Korea, sparking concerns about potential pressures for Seoul to cover more of these costs.