LONDON — North Korea has issued a bold rejection of the G7’s recent demand for denuclearization, vowing to “steadily update and strengthen” its nuclear capabilities. The announcement signals a firm stance by Pyongyang, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining and advancing its nuclear program despite increasing global pressure.
The statement, released through the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reiterated that North Korea’s nuclear-armed forces are “permanent and invincible,” framing them as a crucial deterrent against external threats. The country’s Foreign Ministry described its nuclear arsenal as a “powerful means of justice” that ensures national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
The declaration follows a recent meeting of the G7 foreign ministers in Quebec, Canada, where top diplomats—including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio—called on North Korea to “abandon all its nuclear weapons and any other weapons of mass destruction as well as ballistic missile programs by all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
The G7, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reaffirmed their collective stance against Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions, demanding compliance with international law.
However, North Korea’s response was swift and unyielding. In its statement, the country’s diplomats declared that its nuclear program is “fixed permanently” in national legislation, making it immune to external influence. “These laws will not change according to the recognition of anyone,” the statement emphasized, reinforcing Pyongyang’s long-held policy that nuclear weapons are integral to its national defense strategy.
North Korea insists that its nuclear program serves as a vital security measure, preventing conflict in the region and maintaining global strategic stability. “Our nuclear-armed forces will exist forever as a powerful means of justice, defending the sovereignty of the state, territorial integrity, and fundamental interests,” stated a Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
From Pyongyang’s perspective, nuclear deterrence is necessary to counter perceived threats from the United States and its allies. The country argues that without its nuclear capabilities, it would be vulnerable to external aggression, justifying its continued weapons development.
Adding to global concerns, North Korean state media recently revealed that the country is developing a nuclear-powered submarine. Although details remain sparse, military analysts warn that such a vessel could drastically enhance North Korea’s second-strike capabilities, making it far more difficult for adversaries to neutralize its nuclear forces in a preemptive attack.
A nuclear-powered submarine would allow North Korea to extend its missile reach beyond land-based launch systems, presenting a new challenge for global security and increasing tensions with neighboring countries, particularly South Korea and Japan.
North Korea’s defiance comes at a time of heightened global geopolitical tensions. The country has been under strict international sanctions due to its continued missile tests and nuclear advancements. Despite economic pressure and diplomatic isolation, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un remains unwavering in his commitment to nuclear armament, viewing it as an essential deterrent against what he considers hostile forces.
The international community continues to respond with a mix of condemnation and strategic deterrence measures. The United States has reinforced its defense commitments in the region, strengthening alliances with South Korea and Japan. Meanwhile, China and Russia, North Korea’s closest allies, have advocated for diplomatic engagement while simultaneously opposing harsh punitive measures.
With North Korea showing no signs of backing down, the G7 and the broader international community face a complex diplomatic challenge. While economic sanctions and political pressure remain key tools, their effectiveness in curbing Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions has been questioned.
Some experts argue that a revised diplomatic approach—one that balances deterrence with engagement—may be necessary. Others warn that continued military posturing without meaningful dialogue could escalate tensions further, leading to a dangerous arms race in the region.
As the world watches, North Korea’s latest defiance underscores a troubling reality: the nuclear issue remains unresolved, and a peaceful resolution seems increasingly difficult to achieve.
