North Korea strengthens defense to deter rivals

Seoul

North Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its self-defense capabilities, calling it essential for deterring threats and ensuring national security. A senior official from Pyongyang’s defense ministry stated on Saturday that North Korea’s strategic armed forces aim to maintain regional security and counterbalance perceived military threats.

The official cited the recent arrival of a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine near the Korean Peninsula and upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills as justifications for enhancing its defense posture.

"It is the sovereign right of the DPRK to develop self-defense capabilities to counter all security threats," the official was quoted as saying by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korea accused the United States of escalating tensions through an aggressive arms buildup and nuclear force modernization. The official dismissed U.S. claims that North Korea has intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of striking North America, calling these accusations "a guilty party filing the suit first."

North Korea criticized Washington for portraying Pyongyang as a threat while justifying its own military expansion. The official asserted that the only way for the U.S. to ensure its security is to abandon its “hostile policies” against sovereign states.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated in recent months, with both sides ramping up military preparations amid a worsening diplomatic standoff.