North Korea again condemns US hostility and vows to strengthen nuclear forces

North Korea has rejected calls for denuclearization and vowed to strengthen its nuclear forces, saying Washington’s hostile policy has not changed.

The statement came ahead of the “Freedom Edge” joint exercise planned by the United States, South Korea and Japan from September 7 to 11. The drill is intended to improve coordination against nuclear and missile threats. North Korea has repeatedly condemned it as a danger to regional security.

A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson, quoted in state media, accused the United States of maintaining a confrontational stance. The spokesperson cited Washington’s commitment to achieving North Korea’s complete denuclearization, criticism of its human rights record and plans for military exercises with South Korea and Japan.

The spokesperson said North Korea’s nuclear weapons were “an absolute guarantee for defending its sovereignty.” The country’s nuclear status, the official added, would not be weakened by repeated US demands for denuclearization. North Korea also said there was no point expecting tensions in the region to ease and that its policy toward the United States had not changed.

The comments followed a decision by US President Donald Trump to reduce the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise with South Korea, saying the drills sent an unnecessary hostile signal to North Korea. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said the exercise remained provocative and aggressive even with a smaller scale and shorter duration.

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An absolute guarantee for defending its sovereignty.