North Korea to strengthen nuclear program - Kim Jong-un blames U.S. for rising hostilities

Kim Jong-un has announced plans to strengthen North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, citing the trilateral security alliance between the United States, South Korea, and Japan as a major threat to his country.

Speaking on Saturday during an event marking the 77th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army, Kim accused Washington of attempting to create a NATO-style military bloc in the region, according to North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). He claimed the growing defense cooperation between the three nations posed a “grave challenge” to North Korea’s security.

With diplomacy at a standstill in recent years, Kim has focused on expanding and modernizing the country’s nuclear arsenal. In response, the U.S. and South Korea have increased their joint military drills, including trilateral exercises with Japan.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a willingness to re-engage with Kim, frequently referencing their previous summits. Speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday, Trump reiterated his past relationship with the North Korean leader, stating, “We will have relations with North Korea, with Kim Jong-un. I got along with him very well, as you know.”

Despite Trump’s remarks, the U.S. and Japan reaffirmed their “resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea).”

Euronews contributed to this article.