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  "path": "/news/2010233/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-says-country-will-exercise-its-position-as-nuclear-state",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-23T06:55:09.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.dawn.com",
  "tags": [
    "World",
    "off the table",
    "justify its nuclear buildup",
    "⁠diplomatic efforts"
  ],
  "textContent": "North Korean leader Kim Jong ‌Un said exercising the country’s position as a nuclear state is the only way to cope with an unpredictable and complicated global security situation, _KCNA_ state news agency reported on Tuesday.\n\n“Unimaginable, astonishing incidents and events” are occurring because of the “gangster-like” greed of hegemonic forces, making confrontations around the world more ​violent, Kim said, blaming the US for worsening bloodshed in Europe and the Middle East.\n\nHe was speaking at a ​Central Committee meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party, running from Saturday to Monday, _KCNA_ said.\n\nKim accused the US ⁠and South Korea of making the security situation on the Korean Peninsula more dangerous by steadily upgrading their combined nuclear posture, ​the only purpose of which, he said, is to attack North Korea.\n\n“To steadily expand and strengthen the nuclear forces … and to thoroughly ​exercise the position of a nuclear weapons state is the most correct and unique way to actively and confidently cope with the unpredictable international military and political situation getting complicated in multiple ways,” _KCNA_ said.\n\n_KCNA_ did not elaborate on specific actions regarding the country’s nuclear arsenal that might be taken.\n\nKim ​also ordered the buildup of conventional weapons and accelerated construction of a 10,000-ton strategic guided missile cruiser, _KCNA_ said.\n\nYang Moo-jin, a professor at ​the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the comments underscore Pyongyang’s continued rejection of denuclearisation and push for recognition as a nuclear ‌state.\n\n“North Korea ⁠is once again reaffirming that denuclearisation talks are off the table,” Yang said, adding it would only engage in negotiations “as a nuclear weapons state on an equal footing,” potentially focusing on arms reduction rather than dismantlement.\n\nSuch talks would imply acceptance of a minimum deterrent and require sanctions relief, he said, fundamentally differing from phased denuclearisation proposals, such as those raised by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ​to US President Donald Trump ​at the G7.\n\nYang said that ⁠references in the party meeting to the US-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group, a body aimed at deterring North Korea’s nuclear threat, and Seoul’s ambitions to develop a nuclear-powered submarine were being used by ​Pyongyang to justify its nuclear buildup.\n\nNorth Korea has defied a slew of sanctions imposed by both ​the United Nations ⁠and the US between 2006 and 2017, banning Pyongyang from developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles to deliver them. Its stance has alarmed regional powers.\n\nIt has declared itself a nuclear state and has said nothing would convince it to abandon its atomic weapons, despite years of ⁠diplomatic efforts ​by the US, China and South Korea.\n\nThe party meeting also highlighted a push ​to modernise the coal industry and redevelop mining communities, which Kim described as a strategic priority.\n\n“Coal effectively remains North Korea’s main energy resource,” Yang said, noting plans ​to upgrade the industry aimed at easing chronic energy shortages.",
  "title": "North Korea's Kim Jong ‌Un says country will exercise its position as nuclear state"
}