North Korea Refuses to Join Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty, Reaffirms Nuclear Status

North Korea declared that it will not become a party to the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT), stating the agreement is not binding on the country. The announcement was made during the 11th NPT Review Conference at the United Nations, where Pyongyang’s UN envoy Kim Song asserted that the DPRK’s status as a nuclear‑armed state is enshrined in its constitution and will not change due to external pressure or unilateral statements.

The regime reminded the international community that it first threatened to withdraw from the NPT in 1993 and formally exited the treaty in 2003. Since then it has conducted six nuclear tests and is believed to possess dozens of warheads, leading to multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions condemning its actions. North Korea’s refusal to join the treaty raises concerns over regional and global security and underscores its commitment to maintaining and expanding its nuclear arsenal.