North Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the recent trilateral meeting between US, South Korean, and Japanese diplomats in Germany, where they reaffirmed their commitment to enhance military cooperation and uphold international sanctions against North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
The North Korean government accused the United States of engaging in an “outdated and absurd” disarmament plan and threatened a “decisive and overwhelming countermeasure” if it perceives any threat to its security.
North Korea has pledged to follow the new nuclear strengthening line under leader Kim Jong Un, aiming to deter US and its allies’ perceived threats to North Korea’s sovereignty.
The statement is the latest in a series of accusations from North Korea about US hostile policies, though state media has avoided naming the US President directly.
The US Secretary of State, Mark Rubio, during a meeting in Munich, reiterated the commitment to North Korea’s complete denuclearization and maintaining sanctions against its weapons programs, while enhancing military capabilities in South Korea and Japan.
Previously, Trump held three summits with Kim Jong Un during his first term, but diplomacy quickly collapsed over disagreements regarding US-led sanctions relief in exchange for North Korean steps to reduce its nuclear and missile programs.
As North Korea increases its military activities in response to perceived threats, its foreign policy priority now appears to be aligning with Russia. North Korea has reportedly provided arms and soldiers to assist in Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
A North Korean diplomatic delegation, led by Kim Ik Song, recently departed for Russia to discuss these alliances, although specific agendas remain undisclosed.
Speculation has arisen that Trump’s electoral victory could lead to renewed diplomacy characterized by summit-style meetings with Kim. However, experts suggest that the drastic changes in regional security and global geopolitics make a return to the 2018 scenario unlikely.
North Korea’s nuclear program is now intertwined with broader challenges linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine, further complicated by inconsistent sanctions enforcement against Pyongyang.
Some analysts warn that North Korea’s efforts to strengthen ties against the US might gain traction if US-China trade tensions escalate, given China’s role as a key economic ally to Pyongyang.
The situation remains tense, with North Korea firmly opposed to denuclearization efforts by the US and its allies. The evolving geopolitical landscape continues to influence these complex dynamics.
