North Korea stated that its nuclear weapons are not for negotiation purposes but are designed for combat use against enemies posing a threat to its people and global peace.
“We say this clearly again: our nuclear weapons are not an advertisement to get anyone’s recognition and even less a bargaining chip to be exchanged for some money,” KCNA said in a statement.
“Our nuclear forces are for unwavering combat use to swiftly eliminate any attempts by enemy forces that infringe on our country’s sovereignty and the safety of our people and threaten world peace,” it said.
North Korea has not responded directly to overtures from Trump to resume contact with its leader Kim Jong Un and instead stressed its intention to “bolster” its nuclear forces.
Trump said on Friday he “will have relations with North Korea and with Kim Jong Un,” adding he had a good rapport with Kim. The two held unprecedented summit meetings during Trump’s first presidency.
On January 20 when he was inaugurated for his second term, Trump said the North was a “nuclear power,” raising questions whether he would pursue arms reduction talks rather than denuclearisation negotiations.
