Pyongyang/Washington: In the wake of a recent subcritical nuclear test by the United States, North Korea has condemned the action, accusing the US of hypocrisy and escalating the international nuclear arms race. This condemnation, issued on Monday, reflects growing tensions between the two nations.
Using the country’s official name, North Korea’s foreign ministry declared, “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will not allow a strategic imbalance and security vacuum to be created on the Korean peninsula,” as reported by Newsweek.
Last week, the US Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced a successful experiment at the Nevada National Security Site. This subcritical test, which avoids nuclear explosions, is part of the NNSA’s efforts to gather more data on nuclear weapons materials. The US has maintained a moratorium on nuclear explosion tests since 1992.
In response, North Korea’s foreign ministry stated, “Has no right to comment on anyone’s threat of nuclear war,” criticizing the United States for its extensive history of nuclear tests. The ministry also noted that the US is planning a nuclear operation exercise with South Korea in August and highlighted the deployment of nuclear-capable submarines to South Korea last year—the first such deployment in decades.
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North Korea vowed to “thoroughly” protect its security and interests through effective measures against the perceived US nuclear threat.
Historically, North Korea has threatened catastrophic consequences in response to joint military drills by other nations, viewing them as provocations. Since 2006, North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests and has threatened a seventh. In 2022, North Korea revised its nuclear strategy, discarding its no first-use policy. Recently, the country has ramped up its ballistic missile tests, including those capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
The international community remains deeply concerned about North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. South Korea, Japan, and the United States have consistently called for stricter international measures and the enforcement of UN Security Council sanctions to curb Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programs.
Analysts suggest that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sees a nuclear arsenal as vital for deterring foreign intervention and enhancing his bargaining power. In response to North Korea’s escalating threats, Tokyo, Seoul, and Washington have committed to strengthening their trilateral cooperation.
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Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in, in his recently published memoir, recounted Kim’s “sincere explanation” of his commitment to denuclearization during their first summit in 2018. However, Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute of National Unification, suggested to NK News that Kim’s remarks were likely intended to manipulate perceptions while continuing to develop his nuclear capabilities.
The US Department of Defense has not yet responded to requests for comment.
