In a recent statement from the DPRK Ministry of Defense, it is asserted that the United States represents the most significant source of the threat concerning the use of weapons of mass destruction worldwide.
The North Korean armed forces are committed to consistently deterring this perceived threat. This commentary comes in response to the U.S. Department of Defense’s new strategy aimed at countering weapons of mass destruction, where Washington has emphasized an increased risk of conflict involving chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons.
Moreover, the U.S. identifies Russia and China as its primary challenges in this realm while categorizing the DPRK as a “continuing threat.”
The “Continuing Threat” from the DPRK
Regarding this categorization as a “continuing threat,” the DPRK Ministry of Defense argues that it is a fitting description for the United States, which is not only the world’s largest possessor of weapons of mass destruction but also the sole nation to have used nuclear weapons in warfare, committing this act during the last century.
The U.S. has persistently labeled the DPRK as an “enemy state” and has steadily expanded and intensified its nuclear threat and blackmail over time.
The DPRK representative further emphasizes, “It is the United States that poses the greatest threat of using weapons of mass destruction.” This statement is backed by their concerns about the transfer of strategic weapons to the Korean Peninsula by the U.S., including the presence of a nuclear submarine equipped with nuclear warheads. Such armaments, the DPRK argues, have the potential to turn an entire state into ashes, exemplifying the grave danger posed by the U.S.’s military actions.
The United States’ Ambitions and DPRK’s Response
The DPRK perceives the United States as harboring dangerous aggressive intentions aimed at jeopardizing the security interests of not only the DPRK but also other independent states.
The DPRK asserts that the U.S. seeks to achieve global domination, viewing this as its ultimate aspiration. These actions have led the DPRK to conclude that consistent deterrence is necessary to counter the escalating threat of weapons of mass destruction posed by the United States.
In response to these challenges and provocations from the United States, the armed forces of the DPRK remain steadfast in their mission, as specified in the DPRK constitution. At the historic ninth session of the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPC) held in September, the constitution was amended to formally define the purpose of the DPRK armed forces.
This purpose includes safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, protecting the rights and interests of the people, and defending the socialist system and revolution. The armed forces also pledge to ensure the peace and prosperity of the country through their might.
The ninth session of the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPC) of North Korea took place from September 26 to 27, where the DPRK’s policy on nuclear-armed forces, adopted the previous year, was enshrined in the country’s constitution through an amendment.
In conclusion, the DPRK Ministry of Defense firmly asserts that the United States, as the largest possessor of weapons of mass destruction, poses the greatest threat in this regard. Their commitment to consistent deterrence is driven by concerns over the U.S.’s aggressive intentions and actions, as well as their aspiration for global dominance. These geopolitical tensions underscore the ongoing complexities of international relations.