31.08.2026 14:31
North Korea announced that it will continue to strengthen its nuclear capabilities, rejecting US calls for denuclearization. Describing nuclear weapons as the 'absolute guarantee of sovereignty,' Pyongyang argued that the Trump administration's policy has not changed and stated that there will be no change in its own stance toward the US.
A notable statement came from Pyongyang amid tensions between North Korea and the United States. The North Korean Foreign Ministry, arguing that the US policy towards the country has not changed, announced that it will continue to strengthen its nuclear capability.
ACCUSED THE US OF PURSUING A "HOSTILE POLICY"
In a statement published by North Korean state media KCNA, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson reacted to Washington's continued stance on the "complete denuclearization" of North Korea.
The spokesperson also cited the US criticism of North Korea's human rights record and the planned joint military exercises with South Korea and Japan as indicators that Washington's stance has not changed.
The statement claimed that the Trump administration continues its policy that violates North Korea's sovereignty, political system, and security interests.
"NUCLEAR WEAPONS ARE OUR ABSOLUTE GUARANTEE"
The Pyongyang regime also signaled that it will not give up its nuclear weapons. The North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the country's nuclear weapons as an "absolute guarantee for defending its sovereignty."
It was stated that the repeated US calls for denuclearization will not change North Korea's nuclear status, and it was also expressed that expecting a reduction in tensions in the region is "meaningless."
The spokesperson conveyed the message, "There is also no change in our policy towards the US."
TRUMP HAD DECIDED TO DOWNSCALE THE DRILLS
North Korea's statement came after US President Donald Trump instructed this month that the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise between the US and South Korea be significantly downscaled.
While Trump stated that he has a "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, he said the drills were costly and sent an unnecessarily hostile message to Pyongyang.
It is noted that Trump wants to hold a new summit with Kim Jong-un. The two leaders met three times in 2018 and 2019.
NORTH KOREA ALSO REACTS TO NEW DRILLS
The reduction in the scope of the drills did not change Pyongyang's stance either. In a statement this month, Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, argued that even if the duration and scope of the drills were reduced, they retained their "provocative and aggressive" nature.
The US, South Korea, and Japan also plan to conduct the Freedom Edge exercise between September 7-11. North Korea opposes the exercise, which aims to improve coordination among the three countries against nuclear and missile threats.