The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Monday that Rubio’s comments reflect Washington's continued hostile stance toward Pyongyang.
Rubio made the remarks during an appearance on the "Megyn Kelly Show," broadcast on SiriusXM’s Triumph talk radio channel on Jan. 30. While discussing major global powers like China and Russia, Rubio labeled North Korea and Iran as "rogue states." He emphasized that U.S. foreign policy should seek to avoid war and armed conflict whenever possible.
"It would be more surprising if he had said good words about the [North]," North Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement. It added, "It is necessary to mention how absurd and illogical it is that the most depraved state in the world brands another country a rogue state."
North Korea reiterated its defiance of the U.S. foreign policy, stating, "We will never tolerate any provocation from the U.S., which has always been hostile to [North Korea] and will continue to be hostile in the future. We will take tough counteraction corresponding to it as usual."
The statement came about ten days after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of resuming talks with its leader Kim Jong-un. During an interview with Fox News, Trump described Kim as a "smart guy" and "not a religious zealot," suggesting there might still be an opportunity to engage in dialogue with Pyongyang.
In a separate statement, Pyongyang's foreign ministry criticized Trump's push for an American version of the "Iron Dome," an Israeli missile defense system. The ministry said Trump's motives were reminiscent of the "Star Wars" program, a U.S. strategic defense initiative announced in 1983 during the Cold War, to justify "an arms buildup under the guise of countering the 'threat' posed by adversary states."
North Korea's response came after Trump signed an executive order dubbed "Iron Dome for America" on Jan. 27. The order aims to develop a next-generation missile defense system and describes enemy ballistic missiles and other advanced weapons, such as hypersonic missiles, as "the most catastrophic threat facing the U.S."
Reaffirming its stance on sovereignty, Pyongyang vowed it "will never tolerate any foreign interference or military threats, and it will take all necessary measures to counter any provocations from the U.S."
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