North Korea has condemned the G7’s demands to cease its nuclear weapons program, asserting that the U.S. and its allies provoke nuclear conflict. The G7, which includes key nuclear states, recently called for North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal. In response, North Korea accused these nations of hypocrisy and emphasized ongoing tensions over its military capabilities, notably its nuclear stockpile.
North Korea has issued a vehement response to the Group of Seven (G7) nations, which recently demanded the cessation of its nuclear weapons program. The regime accused the United States and its allies of provoking nuclear conflict. This reaction underscores the North’s ongoing justification for its nuclear arsenal, which is estimated to number approximately 50 warheads according to the Federation of American Scientists, thereby heightening tensions with South Korea, where the U.S. maintains over 28,000 troops under a “nuclear umbrella.”
The G7, representing about 30 percent of the global GDP, includes nuclear-armed states such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. During a recent summit in Quebec, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other G7 foreign ministers issued a statement calling on North Korea to abandon all nuclear weapons and comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
In response, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry criticized the G7 as hypocritical. It stated, “[ …] The chief criminals wrecking global peace, security, and the international nuclear nonproliferation system are condemning the just war deterrence of a sovereign state—like a guilty party filing a lawsuit first.” The Ministry emphasized that the U.S. remains unique for having used nuclear weapons in conflict and accused it of escalating nuclear tensions in the Korean Peninsula.
The North Korean statement further condemned the United Kingdom for its collaboration with the U.S. in the development of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia and alleged London’s attempt to reintroduce U.S. nuclear weapons onto its territory. Additionally, it criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposition to extend France’s nuclear protective measures over European allies, describing these actions as illegal nuclear proliferation.
The G7 summit also addressed cyber threats, particularly from North Korean state-affiliated hackers. Estimates suggest North Korean cyber thefts, particularly of cryptocurrency, have aggregated around $1.2 billion, as reported by South Korean intelligence. Military support from North Korea and Iran to Russia was also condemned.
In the context of future diplomatic engagements, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again, highlighting their previously established rapport, albeit acknowledging North Korea’s status as a nuclear power.
In conclusion, North Korea’s strong reaction to the G7’s call for the dismantlement of its nuclear arsenal reflects deep-seated tensions surrounding its military capabilities. The interplay of accusations from both sides showcases a persistent cycle of provocation, particularly surrounding nuclear policies. Furthermore, the G7’s commitment to countering cyber threats adds another layer of complexity to international relations in this context.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
