North Korea Blames U.S. for Nuclear Crisis, Justifies Arsenal

North Korea has escalated its rhetoric against the United States, accusing it of driving the global nuclear order into a severe crisis. In a memorandum released by the North Korean foreign ministry, the regime claimed that U.S. actions, particularly its nuclear proliferation activities, have left it with no choice but to maintain and justify its own nuclear arsenal.

Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong addressed the U.N. General Assembly, stating that North Korea's nuclear program is essential for safeguarding its sovereignty against perceived external threats. The memorandum criticized Washington for abandoning its disarmament obligations and engaging in rapid nuclear force buildup, which North Korea interprets as a direct threat.

The document also highlighted U.S. collaborations with South Korea and Japan, particularly in nuclear submarine technology, as evidence of a growing nuclear alliance in the Asia-Pacific region. North Korea warned that such developments could lead to South Korea pursuing its own nuclear weapons program, further complicating regional security dynamics.

This statement marks a significant moment in North Korea's diplomatic strategy, emphasizing its position as a 'responsible' nuclear state while condemning what it sees as double standards in U.S. nuclear policy. The North's response reflects its ongoing concerns about U.S. military activities in the region and its commitment to its nuclear capabilities as a deterrent.