North Korean leader warns of an ‘Asian NATO,’ accuses US of prolonging Ukraine war
Seoul [South Korea], February 9:
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has accused the United States, Japan, and South Korea of escalating regional tensions, claiming their military cooperation is destabilizing security in Northeast Asia, according to North Korea’s state-run media.
During a visit to North Korea’s Ministry of National Defence, Kim reaffirmed plans to bolster the country’s nuclear deterrence capabilities, reiterating Pyongyang’s commitment to advancing its nuclear arsenal.
Kim Calls Out US for Military Provocations
According to Yonhap News Agency, citing North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim criticized the United States for “standing in the centre behind the scene of the war machine.”
Kim further blamed US military actions, including:
- The deployment of US nuclear strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula
- US-led nuclear war simulation exercises
- The military alliance between the US, Japan, and South Korea
These actions, he said, are “inviting military imbalance” and creating a new conflict structure that poses a serious threat to North Korea’s security.
Warning of an ‘Asian NATO’
Kim expressed concern that the trilateral military cooperation between the US, Japan, and South Korea could evolve into an “Asian version of NATO,” a development that North Korea views as a direct challenge to its national security.
His comments came just days after US President Donald Trump held a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Washington on February 7.
North Korea’s Stance on the Russia-Ukraine War
Kim also blamed the US and Western allies for prolonging the Russia-Ukraine war, claiming they are pursuing an “unrealizable dream” of strategically weakening Russia.
Notably, North Korea has actively supported Russia’s war efforts, reportedly deploying over 11,000 troops to assist Russian President Vladimir Putin.
North Korea Rejects US Call for Denuclearization
Following the White House’s recent statement that the US under Trump will seek “complete denuclearization of North Korea,” Pyongyang strongly rejected the idea, declaring that its nuclear weapons are not a “bargaining chip” but are designed for combat use against any potential invasions.
Trump Defends Relationship with Kim Jong-un
Meanwhile, Donald Trump downplayed tensions, highlighting his strong personal relationship with Kim Jong-un.
“We had a good relationship, and I think it’s a very big asset for everybody that I do get along with him. I get along with him, he gets along with me. And that’s a good thing, not a bad thing,” Trump said at a joint press conference with Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba.
During his first term as US President, Trump held two historic summits with Kim:
- June 2018 in Singapore
- February 2019 in Hanoi, Vietnam
Despite the initial diplomatic efforts, tensions have resurfaced as North Korea continues to advance its nuclear weapons program, raising new security concerns in the region.