North Korea Says US Policy Has Not Changed, Plans to Maintain Nuclear Programme
North Korea has said that it sees no significant change in the United States’ approach toward Pyongyang and has reaffirmed its intention to maintain and strengthen its nuclear capabilities.
The statement was issued on Monday through North Korean state media, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticising Washington’s continued calls for the country to give up its nuclear weapons programme.
North Korea Rejects US Denuclearisation Calls
According to the statement carried by KCNA, North Korea accused the United States of maintaining a confrontational approach through its support for the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, criticism of North Korea’s human rights record and military cooperation with South Korea and Japan.
The North Korean official said the country considers its nuclear capabilities important for protecting its sovereignty and security.
Pyongyang also indicated that it does not expect tensions in the region to ease significantly under the current circumstances.
The statement further said that North Korea’s policy toward the United States remained unchanged.
US-South Korea Military Exercises
The latest comments come after US President Donald Trump ordered a significant reduction in the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises with South Korea.
Trump has previously pointed to his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and argued that large-scale military exercises can be costly and may increase tensions.
Trump has also expressed interest in holding another meeting with Kim. The two leaders previously met three times during 2018 and 2019.
Despite the planned reduction in the exercises, Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader’s sister, said earlier this month that the drills remained provocative even at a smaller scale.
US, South Korea and Japan Plan Joint Exercise
Separately, the United States, South Korea and Japan are scheduled to conduct the Freedom Edge exercise from September 7 to 11.
The exercise is intended to improve cooperation and coordination among the three countries in response to regional missile and security concerns.
North Korea has repeatedly criticised trilateral military exercises involving the United States, South Korea and Japan, arguing that they increase security tensions in the region.
Tensions Remain
The latest statement highlights the continuing differences between Washington and Pyongyang over North Korea’s nuclear programme.
While the United States continues to support denuclearisation, North Korea maintains that its nuclear capabilities are necessary for national security.
The two sides have yet to announce a new formal dialogue process, although Washington has continued to signal interest in renewed engagement with Pyongyang.
