North Korea rejects denuclearisation, calls nuclear program non‑negotiable

North Korea announced on Sunday that denuclearisation is "irreversibly finished" and dismissed recent U.S.–South Korea talks on nuclear deterrence as ineffective. A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry said the country's status as a nuclear power cannot be altered.

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong‑un, reiterated the stance, describing the nuclear programme as "absolutely non‑negotiable" ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned visit. She noted that the constitution now permanently enshrines North Korea's nuclear capability, which Pyongyang views as a vital guarantee against external threats.

The statements come as the United States and South Korea continue joint exercises and expand coordination through the Nuclear Consultative Group, while China remains Pyongyang's main economic ally. Analysts estimate North Korea possesses enough fissile material for dozens of warheads, raising concerns across the region, including Japan.