N.Korea slams S.Korea-US-Japan talks as 'insult' to peace

Seoul
North Korea has sharply criticized the recent trilateral meeting between South Korea, the United States, and Japan, which focused on peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. In a statement on Saturday, North Korea's official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, condemned the discussions held in Tokyo on December 11, labeling them an "insult" to peace.

The newspaper accused the U.S. of being a "gangster-like" nation that undermines global peace, and described Japan and South Korea as accomplices to the U.S.'s war-driven foreign policies. "The United States' history itself is one of war all around the world, and its foreign policy is consistent with the evil of invading other countries," the editorial stated. It also criticized Japan’s defense policies, including its guidelines for defense cooperation with the U.S. and its security law permitting collective self-defense. South Korea was referred to as the "vanguard" of U.S. military strategies.

The trilateral Indo-Pacific Dialogue aimed at exploring ways to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region, particularly in light of growing concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile developments. The meeting was the second of its kind, following an inaugural session in January.

This criticism comes as South Korea, the U.S., and Japan seek closer security ties to address the ongoing threats posed by North Korea.