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[INTERNATIONAL] · North Korea, United States, South Korea, Japan · 12 sources

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North Korea vows to expand nuclear arsenal to protect sovereignty

North Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its nuclear arsenal, describing its nuclear weapons as an ‘absolute guarantee’ for defending national sovereignty and ensuring regional peace and security. In a statement released via state media KCNA, the North Korean Foreign Ministry accused the United States of maintaining a hostile policy characterized by demands for complete denuclearization, criticism of the country’s human rights record, and provocative military actions.

The declaration comes amid heightened regional tensions. North Korea specifically cited the upcoming Freedom Edge trilateral military exercises, scheduled from September 7 to 11, as a threat involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan. While U.S. President Donald Trump recently ordered a reduction in the scale of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, North Korean officials dismissed the move as uninteresting and maintained that their policy toward Washington remains unchanged.

Pyongyang emphasized that its nuclear status is irreversible and that expecting any easing of regional tensions is ‘pointless.’ The regime stated it will continue to strengthen its military capabilities as long as the United States maintains its current confrontational stance.

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DPRK Foreign Ministry · Donald Trump · Japan · Kim Jong-un · North Korea · South Korea · United States

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