North Korea reaffirmed its stance that its status as a nuclear power cannot be reversed, indicating it will not engage in denuclearization negotiations. This comes as President Donald Trump has expressed a willingness to dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, yet no messages regarding the resumption of North Korea-U.S. talks were issued.
Kim Sun-kyung, North Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated during a speech at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on September 28, "The status of a nuclear power cannot be reversed under any circumstances or by any means."
He argued that North Korea's nuclear deterrent is an "absolute power" that protects the nation's sovereignty and security from external invasion and threats. He claimed that the absence of physical conflict on the Korean Peninsula is due to North Korea's strong war deterrence.
Kim further asserted, "We will control and manage external threats with overwhelming power," vowing to safeguard national interests and regional stability as a nuclear power. This is interpreted as a rejection of the international community's calls for denuclearization and a commitment to continue strengthening its nuclear capabilities.
However, he did not address North Korea-U.S. dialogue or President Trump's overtures during his speech. Trump also refrained from providing specific messages regarding the resumption of talks in his earlier UN address.
Kim criticized the security cooperation among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, claiming that the U.S. is developing military alliances that include nuclear weapons elements. He alleged that the U.S. is continuously revising and enhancing its capabilities for nuclear war plans with its allies.
Regarding South Korea's push for nuclear-powered submarines, he expressed opposition, stating, "The U.S. is approving and actively promoting Seoul's ambitions for nuclear submarines." He also claimed that the deployment of military equipment such as missiles and drones in the Korean Peninsula and surrounding areas is exacerbating regional security instability.
Kim condemned Japan for its long-range cruise missile tests and military buildup, stating, "A war criminal nation is accelerating its rearmament." He specifically criticized Japan's development and pursuit of long-range offensive weapons as inconsistent with its status as a defeated nation in World War II.
He also mentioned the need for UN reform, asserting that the interests and voices of all member states should be equally reflected, stating that the era in which one country dominated international politics has ended.
Kim emphasized that North Korea will continue its self-reliance policy in the face of sanctions and international pressure. He stressed that despite efforts to hinder North Korea's development and survival, the country will achieve its goals through its own strength, regardless of changing circumstances.
This marks Kim's second speech at the UN General Assembly, following his attendance last year. North Korea had not sent a high-level delegation to the UN since the breakdown of the 2019 Hanoi summit, resuming high-level participation after seven years with Kim's delegation last year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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