North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has criticized the United States for its military alliances with South Korea and Japan.
He accused the U.S. of creating an "Asian NATO" and called for an unlimited expansion of North Korea's nuclear program. These comments were reported by Politico after Kim spoke at a military conference on Friday.
Kim condemned the U.S. for strengthening nuclear deterrence strategies with South Korea and increasing military cooperation with Japan.
He claimed these actions were destabilizing the region and raising tensions. Kim also criticized the U.S. for its support of Ukraine against Russia, according to Digi24.
He accused Washington of using Ukraine as a proxy to fight Russia and expand American influence.
The New Cold War
In recent months, Kim has deepened ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has framed North Korea and Russia as allies in what he calls a "new Cold War."
North Korea has used the distraction of the Ukraine war to accelerate its nuclear weapons program. Its arsenal now includes systems capable of targeting South Korea and intercontinental missiles that could strike the U.S. mainland.
So far, Kim has not admitted to supplying weapons or troops to Russia. However, experts worry North Korea could receive advanced Russian military technology in return for support.
Kim avoided commenting on Donald Trump’s recent presidential election victory. North Korean media has not reported the news. During Trump’s first term, Kim met him three times, but talks broke down due to disagreements over sanctions and nuclear disarmament.
Experts believe a return to such diplomacy is unlikely. The security situation has changed significantly since 2018. The Ukraine war and weakened sanctions enforcement on North Korea have made negotiations more difficult.
Kim has increased threats against South Korea. He abandoned efforts for reconciliation and warned of nuclear retaliation if provoked.
North Korea has also engaged in psychological and electronic warfare. This includes disrupting GPS signals near South Korea’s largest airport and sending trash-filled balloons across the border.
