In a speech delivered at a military exhibition in Pyongyang on Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un strongly criticized the United States for its “aggressive and hostile” policy toward his regime. Kim’s remarks, reported by state media KCNA on Friday, come amid heightened concerns over the risks of nuclear conflict on the Korean Peninsula.
Kim stated that the Korean Peninsula has never been closer to the brink of nuclear war, pointing to increasing tensions and provocations from Washington. According to KCNA, Kim said, “Never before have the warring parties on the Korean peninsula faced such a dangerous and acute confrontation that it could escalate into the most destructive thermonuclear war.”
A Stalemate in Diplomacy
Reflecting on past diplomatic efforts with the U.S., Kim emphasized that the results of his previous negotiations with Washington only reinforced his belief in the “aggressive and hostile” nature of U.S. foreign policy. Kim claimed that despite previous attempts to engage in dialogue, including high-profile meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019, North Korea had not seen any genuine shift in Washington’s stance.
“We have already gone as far as we can on negotiating with the United States, but what we became certain of from the result is not the superpower’s willingness to coexist, but its thorough stance of power and aggressive and hostile policy toward us that can never change,” Kim said.
Failed Diplomacy Under Trump
During Trump’s first term, the U.S. and North Korea held three historic meetings — in Singapore, Hanoi, and at the Korean border — aimed at resolving tensions over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. However, these high-profile talks failed to produce any lasting agreements, with a significant gap remaining between the U.S. demand for North Korea to dismantle its nuclear arsenal and Kim’s insistence on securing relief from international sanctions.
Kim’s remarks signal a potential breakdown in diplomatic efforts, as the North Korean leader appears to shift his focus toward strengthening his country’s military capabilities in response to what he views as a consistent and unwavering U.S. posture.
The Future of North Korea-U.S. Relations
As tensions between the two nations continue to mount, Kim Jong Un’s comments highlight a growing distrust in the diplomatic process. With North Korea emphasizing its nuclear deterrence and Washington maintaining its stance on denuclearization, the future of U.S.-North Korea relations remains uncertain, further complicating the already delicate balance of security in the region.
Kim’s speech underscores the deepening divides that could lead to even greater instability on the Korean Peninsula unless significant shifts in policy occur from either side.