North Korea has reiterated that its nuclear weapons are not open for negotiations, stating they are intended for combat use against enemies that threaten its sovereignty and global peace. The statement, issued by North Korean state media KCNA on Saturday, comes in response to renewed international calls for denuclearization.
The firm stance from Pyongyang follows a high-profile meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the White House on Friday. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring North Korea dismantles its nuclear weapons program. However, North Korea’s latest declaration underscores its unwillingness to entertain such demands.
“We say this clearly again: Our nuclear weapons are not an advertisement to get anyone’s recognition and even less a bargaining chip to be exchanged for some money,” KCNA stated. “Our nuclear forces are for unwavering combat use to swiftly eliminate any attempts by enemy forces that infringe on our country’s sovereignty and the safety of our people and threaten world peace.”
Notably, the North Korean statement did not reference the Trump-Ishiba meeting but instead cited comments from NATO and EU officials reiterating the call for complete denuclearization.
Despite North Korea’s refusal to negotiate, Trump has expressed a willingness to re-engage with the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un. “I will have relations with North Korea and with Kim Jong Un,” Trump said on Friday, highlighting his past rapport with the North Korean leader. The two previously held unprecedented summit meetings during Trump’s first term in office.
However, North Korea has so far remained unresponsive to direct diplomatic overtures from Washington. Instead, it has emphasized its intent to strengthen its nuclear forces amid perceived threats from the West.
Trump’s second-term approach to North Korea has raised questions about whether he will push for arms reduction talks rather than full denuclearization. On January 20, during his second inauguration, Trump referred to North Korea as a “nuclear power,” a description that some analysts interpret as a sign he may seek a different diplomatic path compared to previous administrations.
A joint statement from Trump and Ishiba reaffirmed their “resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea” while also stressing the importance of addressing Pyongyang’s growing missile and nuclear capabilities. However, with North Korea doubling down on its nuclear stance, achieving this goal remains a formidable challenge for the U.S. and its allies.
