Intro
North Korea criticises NATO summit, accusing US allies of military expansion and urging denuclearisation before addressing Pyongyang’s security concerns.
SEOUL
North Korea on Saturday criticised the United States and its allies following a NATO summit held this week, accusing them of strengthening military blocs and increasing arms buildups.
Pyongyang said NATO leaders had unfairly portrayed North Korea’s military activities and exercise of what it described as legitimate sovereign rights as a security threat. The remarks were made by the North Korean Foreign Ministry in a statement carried by state media KCNA.
The ministry accused the alliance of increasing tensions through higher defence spending and closer military cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It said NATO’s actions reflected a growing confrontation between military blocs.
North Korea has repeatedly criticised US-led security partnerships and opposed military cooperation between Washington and its allies, arguing that such moves threaten regional stability. The country has continued developing its military capabilities despite international concerns over its nuclear and missile programmes.
The criticism came after NATO leaders met in Turkey on Tuesday for a summit where officials announced more than $50 billion in military procurement and industrial agreements. The commitments were made as European allies face pressure from US President Donald Trump to increase their contribution to the alliance’s defence spending.
Pyongyang called on NATO members and US allies to take steps toward denuclearisation before criticising North Korea’s military policies. The country has long argued that its weapons programmes are necessary for national security.
The latest statement adds to ongoing tensions between North Korea and Western nations over military exercises, defence cooperation, and nuclear issues. Analysts say regional security concerns are expected to remain a major international focus amid continuing disagreements between Pyongyang and the US-led alliance network.