North Korea Doubles Down on Nukes Amid Rising Tensions with US and Asia
Newsweek3 days ago
North Korea Rejects US-Led Denuclearization Push
Above: A news broadcast of a North Korean military parade held in Pyongyang on Feb. 9, 2023, to mark the 75th founding anniversary of its armed forces. Image copyright: Jung Yeon-je/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
North Korea's foreign ministry on Tuesday rejected calls for denuclearization from the US, South Korea, and Japan, following the latter three countries' trilateral meeting at the Munich Security Conference last week.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on Saturday "reaffirmed their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs)."
However, North Korea characterized the denuclearization plan as "outdated and absurd," warning that any perceived threats would face "overwhelming and decisive counteraction" from Pyongyang through all political and military tools at its disposal.
The Spin
Anti-North Korea Narrative
The complete denuclearization of North Korea remains an essential goal for regional security and international stability. This requires continuing sanctions and increasing military cooperation between allies to counter Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.
Pro-North Korea narrative
North Korea's nuclear program represents a legitimate means of self-defense against hostile foreign powers. Any attempt to challenge this sovereign right will be met with decisive countermeasures to protect national interests.
Metaculus Prediction
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