Kim Yo Jong dismisses Trump-Kim communication claims

Kim Yo Jong, a senior official of the Workers' Party of Korea and sister of Kim Jong Un, has dismissed recent reports regarding communication between North Korea and US President Donald Trump. While President Trump claimed that the North Korean leader had responded to his overtures for dialogue, Kim Yo Jong stated she was “absolutely” unaware of any such contact.

Kim Yo Jong also addressed the US decision to reduce the scale and duration of joint military exercises with South Korea. She characterized the drills as having a “provocative and offensive nature,” asserting that reducing their size does not change their underlying hostility. She noted that North Korea is focused on the continued existence of these exercises rather than their individual maneuvers.

Additionally, Kim Yo Jong issued a warning toward Japan, threatening an “immediate, annihilating strike” if the country attempts military expansion, which North Korea views as a threat to the power balance in the Asia-Pacific region.