Politics · Singapore Bureau
North Korea rejects US denuclearization calls, vows nuclear expansion
Pyongyang has dismissed repeated American appeals to abandon its weapons programme, insisting that Washington's hostile stance toward the regime remains unchanged. The statement underscores the deepening impasse in negotiations over the North's nuclear arsenal.
LSN Singapore ·
North Korea said Monday it would continue developing its nuclear capabilities, rejecting sustained calls from the United States to pursue denuclearization. In a statement, Pyongyang characterized Washington's policy toward the regime as fundamentally hostile and showed no willingness to reverse course on its weapons programme.
The assertion marks the latest in a series of defiant declarations from the isolated state regarding its military ambitions. North Korean officials have previously signalled that the country views its nuclear arsenal as essential to national security and regime survival, particularly given what they describe as threats from the United States and its regional allies.
The United States has repeatedly urged Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief and diplomatic engagement. However, negotiations have stalled for several years, with the two sides far apart on the terms and sequencing of any potential agreement.
The statement reflects deepening tensions on the Korean peninsula and underscores the challenges facing efforts to curb North Korea's weapons development. Analysts say the impasse reflects mutual distrust and competing security priorities, with Pyongyang viewing its nuclear capability as non-negotiable leverage in its dealings with Washington and Seoul.