In a commentary released through the Korean Central News Agency, North Korea dismissed recent statements by NATO and European Union spokespersons refusing to recognize it as a nuclear state, calling their positions "nonsensical sophistry."
"Our nuclear force is not an 'advertisement' seeking recognition from anyone, nor is it a 'bargaining chip' to be exchanged for money," the commentary said. It emphasized that the country's nuclear capabilities are "invariably for actual combat" to eliminate any invasion attempts threatening national sovereignty and regional peace.
The statement appears to draw a line against potential future negotiations with the United States, suggesting that denuclearization is now an outdated agenda item for any diplomatic talks.
The commentary also criticized Western powers led by the United States for "wreaking havoc on peace," accusing NATO and the EU of "desperately trying to create another peace-destroying scenario" by interfering in Korean Peninsula affairs despite their geographical distance.
The statement comes amid renewed attention to North Korea following recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about rebuilding relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
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