Pyongyang: Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has accused the Trump administration of intensifying political and military provocations, justifying Pyongyang’s decision to strengthen its nuclear deterrent. Her remarks, reported by state media KCNA on Tuesday, follow the recent deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier to South Korea.
North Korea Condemns U.S. Military Moves
Kim specifically criticized the arrival of the USS Carl Vinson in South Korea on Sunday, calling it part of Washington’s “policy of confrontation” against North Korea.
“As soon as its new administration appeared this year, the U.S. has stepped up the political and military provocations against the DPRK, ‘carrying forward’ the former administration’s hostile policy,” Kim said, according to KCNA.
DPRK, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is North Korea’s official name. Kim further asserted that the U.S. approach provided Pyongyang with “sufficient justification” to continue expanding its nuclear deterrent indefinitely.
South Korea Rejects North Korea’s Claims
Seoul dismissed Kim Yo Jong’s remarks, with South Korea’s defense ministry stating on Tuesday that her comments were merely an attempt to rationalize North Korea’s nuclear weapons development.
“North Korea’s nuclear weapons are never acceptable, and the only way for North Korea to survive is to abandon its obsession and delusion about nuclear (weapons),” the ministry said in a statement.
South Korea’s navy confirmed the USS Carl Vinson’s arrival at the southern port city of Busan, describing it as a demonstration of force against North Korea. This marks the first time a U.S. aircraft carrier has docked in South Korea since Trump’s second term began in January.
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North Korea Condemns U.S.-Led Military Drills
Kim also criticized recent joint military exercises involving the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, including the deployment of U.S. B-1B strategic bombers over the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, she condemned a security pledge made by the three allies at a Munich conference in February, which reaffirmed their commitment to North Korea’s denuclearization.
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Despite these tensions, Trump has previously highlighted his personal relationship with Kim Jong Un, having met with him during his first term in office. The U.S. president has signaled that he remains open to renewed dialogue with the North Korean leader.
