North Korea says hostile US policy unchanged, vows to strengthen nuclear force

SEOAN: North Korea has reaffirmed that the US hostile policy towards the country remains unchanged and warned it will continue to bolster its nuclear arsenal. In a statement released by state media KCNA, a foreign ministry spokesperson criticized the US for its commitment to denuclearising North Korea, criticizing the nation's human rights record and planned joint military exercises with South Korea and Japan.

The spokesperson claimed that the Trump administration's actions constitute a total violation of North Korea's sovereignty, political system, and security interests. The spokesperson added that North Korea's nuclear weapons are an absolute guarantee for defending its sovereignty, and the country's nuclear status would not be weakened by any US denuclearisation demands.

The spokesperson also stated that expecting any easing of regional tensions is pointless. North Korea's policy towards the US remains unchanged according to the official, despite US President Trump's efforts to initiate a new summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The US, South Korea, and Japan are scheduled to hold the Freedom Edge exercise from September 7-11 to improve coordination against nuclear and missile threats. North Korea has consistently denounced this trilateral drill as a threat to regional security.