북한 “최강경 대미정책 변화 없다”…‘비핵화’ 재확인에 반발

North Korea has strongly responded to the United States' reaffirmation of its goal for "complete denuclearization" of the country, stating that their "maximum strength" policy towards U.S. hostile policies remains unchanged. This comes as former President Donald Trump's administration pushed for dialogue with North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, by highlighting the U.S. commitment to denuclearization.

North Korea's foreign ministry spokesman criticized the U.S. for continuing to support the idea of "denuclearization" and refused to engage in talks without that precondition. The spokesman also condemned the U.S. for calling out North Korea's human rights abuses and for the Freedom Edge joint military exercises between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.

He claimed that these actions "unfortunately confirm" the U.S.'s "hostile policies" against North Korea, which he said have only intensified tensions and created instability in the region. The spokesman emphasized that North Korea's nuclear arsenal is a necessary defense against these threats and will not be weakened or diluted by any U.S. changes in policy.

He reiterated that North Korea will not budge from its current stance regarding denuclearization, despite any perceived changes from the U.S.