North Korea has responded to the increased US military cooperation with South Korea with threats and new insults against US President Joe Biden. The influential sister of ruler Kim Jong Un, Kim Yo Jong, has indicated that the nuclear force’s first strike capability needs to be strengthened. “We should improve our nuclear war deterrence,” she was quoted as saying by state media on Saturday. In particular, the “second task” of deterrence must be perfected. The isolated government in North Korea is subject to tough international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons program.
Kim criticized the “Washington Declaration” that was announced a few days ago during a state visit by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to the United States. In it, the United States assured its ally, among other things, that it would be more closely involved in the planning of its “extended deterrence” and that it would send more strategic weapon systems, including nuclear submarines, to the Korean peninsula. By extended deterrence, the US understands the full range of its military capabilities to defend South Korea – including nuclear ones.
Also with a view to the increasing tensions with North Korea, Biden had said that a nuclear attack against the United States or its partners would “mean the end of any regime that would carry out such an action”.
Kim said that alone could be taken as “a pointless statement by a person with senility.” The senior party official accused Washington and Seoul of hostile policies. Yoon called her a “fool”. “The dream of the USA and South Korea will be met with greater strength in the future.” In the words of Kim Yo Jong, the agreement “only leads to an even greater threat to peace and security in Northeast Asia and the world”.
China had previously warned Washington and Seoul against “provoking” a “confrontation” with North Korea. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called on all parties on Thursday to work “constructively” for a “peaceful solution” to the conflict on the Korean peninsula.
North Korea had verbally abused Biden several times in the past, calling him a “rabid dog.” Biden had described the North Korean ruler as a tyrant.
