North Korea has recently intensified its criticism of U.S. military actions. Analysts suggest this serves a dual purpose: justifying their nuclear arsenal while positioning for future negotiations with North America.
On Sunday, North Korea’s Ministry of National Defense stated in state media, alleging that U.S. military officials are recklessly suggesting the possibility of war while questioning our republic’s legitimate nuclear deterrent.
This statement was in response to a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report from May 20, which assessed that North Korea has developed sufficient capabilities to threaten the U.S. mainland and invade South Korea, mainly due to its closer ties with Russia.
Earlier this year, Pyongyang also protested the U.S. Air Force’s test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), labeling it a military provocation aimed at North Korea.
North Korea specifically criticized the newly announced U.S. missile defense system, calling it the largest military buildup in history, lacking both validity and rationality.
This refers to the Golden Dome missile defense system, a U.S. counterpart to Israel’s Iron Dome, proposed by President Donald Trump to shield the American homeland from missile attacks. This marks Pyongyang’s first official stance on the Golden Dome initiative.
Previously, North Korea condemned the joint U.S.-South Korea military exercise Freedom Shield (FS) held in March. Through a foreign ministry statement, they described it as a dangerous provocation that pushes the situation on the Korean Peninsula to extreme levels.
Last month, when a U.S. B-1B strategic bomber conducted operations over the Korean Peninsula during joint air drills, North Korean state media decried it as clearly a very dangerous development for regional security.
North Korea Expresses Concern Over Trump’s Missile Defense Plans
Pyongyang’s swift reactions to the Trump administration’s military measures suggest heightened anxiety about U.S. military capabilities. Trump has proposed an unprecedented 1 trillion USD defense budget and publicly committed to establishing the Golden Dome during his tenure. The realization of the Golden Dome project could significantly diminish North Korea’s leverage against the U.S. through its nuclear arsenal, likely fueling their concerns.
Professor Park Won Gon from Ewha Womans University observed that North Korea is now reacting to even minor shifts in U.S. policy. Their latest statement particularly reveals anxiety and discomfort regarding Trump’s missile defense plans.
Pyongyang appears to be amplifying U.S. actions to heighten military tensions, potentially to justify its nuclear program and implicitly seek recognition as a nuclear power.
Professor Park added that North Korea’s statements seem calculated, keeping the door open for U.S.-North Korea dialogue. By consistently emphasizing how U.S.-South Korea joint exercises escalate tensions, they’re signaling their key demands for future negotiations.
While North Korea has increased the frequency of its criticisms against the U.S., analysts note that it’s carefully moderating the intensity. This approach may be intended to maintain communication channels, especially as Trump sends conciliatory signals. Notably, in its recent statement, North Korea referred to the U.S. military and administration without directly mentioning the Trump administration.
