North Korea Says Nuclear Weapons Are a Shield for Its Sovereignty

PYONGYANG — North Korea has said its nuclear weapons are a shield for defending its sovereignty, while accusing the United States of maintaining a hostile policy toward Pyongyang.

North Korean state media said the country would continue strengthening its nuclear capabilities, arguing that its nuclear arsenal was essential to national defence and the protection of its sovereignty.

The comments come as tensions between North Korea and the United States remain high, with the two sides divided over Pyongyang’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and international sanctions.

North Korea has long argued that the presence of US troops in South Korea and joint military exercises between Washington and Seoul pose a threat to its security.

Pyongyang has repeatedly said it will not abandon its nuclear programme, describing its nuclear capabilities as a central pillar of its national defence strategy.

The United States, meanwhile, has consistently called on North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. Washington has also supported international sanctions aimed at putting pressure on Pyongyang over its weapons programmes.

North Korea has accused successive US administrations of pursuing a hostile policy designed to undermine its government and security.

Pyongyang said that as long as Washington’s policy remained unchanged, it would continue strengthening its military and nuclear capabilities.

The latest statement reflects the persistent deadlock over North Korea’s nuclear programme, which has remained one of the most difficult security issues in East Asia.

Previous diplomatic efforts between North Korea and the United States have failed to produce an agreement on denuclearisation. Talks between the two countries broke down over disagreements about sanctions relief and the scope and pace of Pyongyang’s dismantling of its nuclear and missile capabilities.

North Korea has since continued developing its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, despite international sanctions.

The United States maintains a military presence in South Korea as part of its longstanding security alliance with Seoul. Washington and Seoul regularly conduct military exercises, which North Korea views as preparations for an invasion.

South Korea and the United States say their military cooperation is defensive and necessary to deter potential aggression from Pyongyang.

North Korea’s latest comments suggest that its leadership continues to regard nuclear weapons as essential to its national security and is unlikely to accept demands for unilateral denuclearisation without significant changes in its relations with Washington.

The statement also comes amid broader concerns over regional security, with North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes continuing to draw international attention.

For Washington and its allies in the region, Pyongyang’s continued expansion of its nuclear capabilities remains a major security concern.

For North Korea, however, the government argues that its nuclear arsenal is necessary to prevent external intervention and guarantee the survival of the state.

The conflicting positions leave little immediate room for compromise, with denuclearisation, sanctions and military exercises remaining key points of contention between Pyongyang and Washington.

GAROWE ONLINE