North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has warned that a strengthened US security partnership with South Korea and Japan poses a significant threat to his country, vowing to further develop its nuclear weapons program. In a speech marking the 77th founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army, Kim stated that the alliance is creating an unstable military balance on the Korean Peninsula.
The North Korean leader has previously expressed skepticism about re-engaging in diplomacy with the US, and his latest statement suggests that he may not be willing to reconsider this stance. Instead, Kim has focused on expanding and modernizing his nuclear arsenal in recent years.
US President Donald Trump has maintained a commitment to denuclearization, but some experts believe that his priorities may shift if he fails to achieve cooperation with Russia. In response to Trump’s overture, North Korea has not directly responded, instead continuing its military activities and hostile rhetoric against the US.
The joint statement issued by Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirms the importance of denuclearization in the region, but Kim’s comments suggest that he may prioritize his alliance with Russia. The situation remains tense, with ongoing concerns about North Korea’s nuclear program and its impact on regional stability.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/north-koreas-kim-slams-us-south-korea-japan-118614035