North Korea Rejects US Overture, Vows to Strengthen Nuclear Force

North Korea has rejected any suggestion that tensions with the United States are easing, declaring that Washington’s “hostile policy” remains unchanged and warning that it will continue to strengthen its nuclear arsenal.

In a statement carried by North Korean state media KCNA on Monday, the Foreign Ministry said Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons were essential to protecting the country’s sovereignty and security. It also ruled out any change in its nuclear policy as long as Washington continues to demand the complete denuclearisation of North Korea.

The statement comes despite recent efforts by US President Donald Trump to reduce military tensions on the Korean Peninsula and reopen dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump recently ordered a scaling-back of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise with South Korea, a move widely viewed as an attempt to create room for renewed engagement with Pyongyang. North Korea, however, has dismissed the gesture and continued to accuse Washington of pursuing a hostile agenda.

Pyongyang’s latest criticism focused on several issues, including the US demand for complete denuclearisation, Washington’s criticism of North Korea’s human rights record and joint military activities involving the United States, South Korea and Japan.

The warning comes just days before the United States, South Korea and Japan are scheduled to begin a new round of joint military exercises.

The Freedom Edge exercise is scheduled for September 7–11 in international waters east and south of South Korea’s Jeju Island. Seoul has described the drills as defensive and designed to strengthen the three countries’ ability to respond to North Korean nuclear and missile threats.

The exercise will involve maritime and air operations, enhanced air-defence training, real-time information sharing and other activities aimed at improving military coordination among the three allies.

North Korea has consistently condemned such exercises, portraying them as preparations for an attack on the country. Pyongyang has also warned that it will respond forcefully to what it considers military provocations.

North Korea’s latest declaration reinforces its long-standing position that it will not give up its nuclear weapons simply in exchange for diplomatic or economic incentives.

Kim Jong Un has repeatedly described the country’s nuclear capability as a central element of its national defence. In March, he reiterated that North Korea’s status as a nuclear-armed state would not change.

The renewed nuclear rhetoric also comes amid continued development of North Korea’s missile capabilities. Recent military demonstrations and weapons tests have highlighted Pyongyang’s efforts to develop increasingly sophisticated systems, including solid-fuel technology that could make ballistic missiles faster to deploy.

Meanwhile, Trump has continued to signal interest in meeting Kim again, but Pyongyang’s latest statement suggests that any diplomatic breakthrough could face a major obstacle: North Korea’s refusal to accept denuclearisation as the starting point for negotiations.

With new US-South Korean-Japanese military exercises approaching and Pyongyang insisting that its nuclear programme will continue to expand, prospects for a quick improvement in relations between Washington and Pyongyang remain uncertain.