North Korea has declared that its nuclear arsenal is not a “bargaining chip” for negotiations but is instead intended for combat use against any threats to its sovereignty, people, or global peace.
The statement, released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Saturday, comes just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met at the White House to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program.
During their meeting on Friday, Trump and Ishiba reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the complete denuclearization of North Korea. However, KCNA did not directly address the U.S.-Japan talks. Instead, it referenced calls from NATO and EU officials for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program entirely.
“Our nuclear weapons are not an advertisement to gain recognition, nor are they a bargaining chip to be traded for money,” KCNA stated. “Our nuclear forces are for unwavering combat use to swiftly eliminate any attempts by enemy forces that infringe on our country’s sovereignty, endanger our people, or threaten world peace.”
The North Korean statement also emphasized the country’s intention to strengthen its nuclear capabilities, despite international pressure. This comes as President Trump has repeatedly expressed his willingness to re-engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
On Friday, Trump told reporters, “I will have relations with North Korea and with Kim Jong Un,” highlighting the rapport he shares with the North Korean leader. The two previously held historic summit meetings during Trump’s first term, raising hopes for progress on denuclearization. However, since his second-term inauguration on January 20, Trump has referred to North Korea as a “nuclear power,” sparking speculation about whether his administration will shift focus from denuclearization to arms reduction talks.
In their joint statement, Trump and Ishiba expressed “serious concerns” over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and reiterated their commitment to achieving the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Meanwhile, North Korea has remained silent on Trump’s overtures to resume dialogue with Kim Jong Un, instead doubling down on its stance to bolster its nuclear forces. The latest KCNA statement underscores Pyongyang’s unwavering position, signaling potential challenges ahead for diplomatic efforts to address the nuclear standoff.
As tensions persist, the international community continues to watch closely for any signs of renewed dialogue or escalation in the region.
