North Korea Criticizes 'Absurd' US Denuclearization Efforts

North Korea has criticized the United States and its allies for pursuing the denuclearization of the North, calling it "absurd," and reiterated that under Kim Jong Un's leadership, North Korea plans to expand its nuclear forces. This follows a security conference in Germany where US Secretary of State Mark Rubio met with South Korean and Japanese foreign ministers. The three nations reaffirmed their commitment to North Korea's complete denuclearization and effective sanctions.

The conference occurred on Saturday in Munich, and North Korea's announcement came Tuesday. North Korea warned of "overwhelming and decisive counteraction" if it perceives threats to its sovereignty. The statement accuses the US of maintaining hostile policies and said: "The North will consistently adhere to the new line of bolstering the nuclear force."

US President Trump met with Kim three times in 2018 and 2019, but talks collapsed over disagreements on sanctions and nuclear disarmament. Kim's foreign policy now prioritizes Russia, where North Korea has supplied weapons to aid the conflict in Ukraine. This raises concerns about possible economic and technological exchanges. A North Korean delegation led by Kim Ik Song recently departed for Russia. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)