North Korea claims nuclear-weapon state status at Beijing forum
North Korea's claim to be a nuclear-weapon state: at the Xiangshan Forum, it rejected denuclearization and blamed the U.S., South Korea, and Japan for tensions North Korea also signaled its willingness to cooperate with China and friendly countries, highlighting the diplomatic and security ripple effects
North Korea stated at the Xiangshan Forum held in Beijing, China, that its status as a nucleararmed state is irreversible and that it cannot accept calls for denuclearization.
Kim Kang Il, Vice Minister of National Defense of North Korea, said in a speech at the plenary session held on the 17th at the Beijing International Convention Center that North Korea's selfdefensive defense policy should not be called into question, and stated that it would continue to strengthen its nuclear deterrent.
He described the security cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan as a 'nuclear alliance' and claimed it was the cause of tensions on the Korean Peninsula. He also criticized the U.S. nuclear strategy and the buildup of military power in Northeast Asia, while hinting at an intention to strengthen cooperation with friendly countries including China. This is the first time since 2019 that a senior North Korean official has attended the Xiangshan Forum.