North Korea insists nuclear weapons are not for negotiations amid U.S.-Japan talks

North Korea has declared that its nuclear weapons are not a “bargaining chip” for negotiations but are instead intended for combat use against any threats to its sovereignty and global peace. The statement, released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Saturday, comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met at the White House to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program.

The KCNA report did not directly address the meeting between Trump and Ishiba but emphasized North Korea’s stance on its nuclear arsenal. “Our nuclear weapons are not an advertisement to gain recognition, nor are they a bargaining chip to be exchanged for money,” the statement read. “They are for unwavering combat use to swiftly eliminate any attempts by enemy forces that infringe on our country’s sovereignty, endanger our people, and threaten world peace.”

The statement also highlighted North Korea’s refusal to engage in denuclearization talks, despite international pressure. Instead, the country has reiterated its commitment to strengthening its nuclear capabilities. This comes as a direct response to recent calls from NATO and EU officials for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

During their meeting on Friday, President Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba expressed “serious concerns” over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. In a joint statement, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the complete denuclearization of North Korea. Trump, who has previously engaged in historic summit meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stated that he “will have relations with North Korea and with Kim Jong Un,” citing a good rapport with the North Korean leader.

However, North Korea has remained unresponsive to Trump’s overtures to resume dialogue. Instead, it has doubled down on its position, vowing to bolster its nuclear forces. This stance has raised questions about the future of U.S.-North Korea relations, especially after Trump referred to North Korea as a “nuclear power” during his second-term inauguration on January 20.

As tensions persist, the international community continues to monitor developments in the region, with concerns growing over North Korea’s refusal to engage in denuclearization talks and its insistence on maintaining its nuclear arsenal as a defensive measure.