North Korea Warns of Escalation in Nuclear Capability Amid Tensions with US and South Korea
North Korea has issued a stark warning to the United States and South Korea, threatening to enhance its nuclear capabilities and impose severe consequences on its rivals. The threat comes in response to new defense guidelines approved by President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, aimed at bolstering their defenses against North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.
In a statement from North Korea’s Defense Ministry, carried by state media, the country condemned the U.S.-South Korea guidelines as revealing a plan to prepare for nuclear war against North Korea. The ministry emphasized the urgent need to strengthen its nuclear deterrent readiness and hinted at potential enhancements to its nuclear arsenal.
The joint guidelines, which follow a year of consultations between the two countries, focus on integrating U.S. nuclear weapons with South Korean conventional weapons to better respond to potential provocations from North Korea. While specific details of the guidelines were not disclosed, experts suggest they involve strategic plans and joint military exercises to address various contingencies.
North Korea has long justified its pursuit of nuclear weapons as a response to perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies. Despite assurances from U.S. and South Korean officials that they do not intend to attack North Korea, tensions have escalated due to the North’s missile tests and threats of preemptive nuclear strikes.
In a separate development, North Korea strongly denounced a NATO declaration accusing Pyongyang of supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. The declaration, issued during a NATO summit, also highlighted concerns over North Korea and Iran’s alleged military support to Moscow.
North Korea criticized the U.S. for expanding military alliances with NATO countries and Asian partners like South Korea and Japan, calling it a serious threat to regional peace and global security. The country’s defense ministry labeled the guidelines signed by South Korea and the U.S. as reckless provocation, warning of dire consequences if their warnings are ignored.
The developments underscore ongoing tensions in the region and the precarious balance of power involving North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, U.S. security guarantees to its allies, and international efforts to mitigate potential conflicts.
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