During her keynote address at the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Monday, North Korea’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Sun-kyung reaffirmed the regime’s nuclear stance. She declared that demanding the denuclearization is tantamount to asking North Korea to surrender the sovereignty, forfeit the right to survival, and violate the constitution.
Kim emphatically stated that it will never relinquish its nuclear arsenal, and this position is non-negotiable under any circumstances.
She justified North Korea’s nuclear program as a necessary response to perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies.
Kim asserted that the security landscape on the Korean Peninsula is more precarious than ever before. The scale, nature, and frequency of military drills and force build-ups targeting the nation have reached unprecedented levels.
Criticizing U.S.-led military exercises, Kim said that just days before this General Assembly convened, the U.S. and its allies conducted nuclear war drills like Iron Mace, which simulate nuclear strikes against the country, dramatically escalating tensions in the region.
She argued for the deterrent effect of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, stating that despite the hostile security environment, they’ve maintained peace. This is due to the enhanced military deterrence, which has effectively curbed the adversaries’ war ambitions and ensured a regional balance of power.
Kim further emphasized that to solidify this equilibrium and ensure lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, they’ve enshrined the nuclear status in our constitution as an inviolable and absolute element.
She reiterated that it will never compromise the sovereignty, the right to survival, or engage in unconstitutional acts. The directives of the Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un, are the national law, which we will steadfastly uphold. This echoes Kim Jong Un’s recent assertion at the Supreme People’s Assembly that denuclearization would be unconstitutional.
Kim’s speech did not address South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s E·N·D Initiative for inter-Korean relations or elaborate on the concept of two Koreas. She also refrained from discussing potential U.S.-North Korea contacts or dialogue conditions.
Instead, Kim highlighted global anti-fascist commemorations, stating that this year, marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, nations worldwide held various events celebrating the victory over fascism. This demonstrates the international community’s resolve to honor the sacrifices made in the anti-fascist war and national liberation struggles. Her remarks appeared to emphasize anti-U.S. solidarity.
Kim arrived in New York on September 25 for the UN General Assembly, marking North Korea’s first high-level delegation to the event since 2018. During her stay, she engaged in diplomatic activities with representatives from Cuba and Venezuela, seemingly to bolster anti-U.S. alliances.