North Korea Doubles Down on Nukes Amid Rising Tensions with US and Asia
NewsweekFEB 19
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 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.