North Korea declares to strengthen nuclear deterrence

On November 4, North Korea announced that it would not negotiate with the United States on denuclearization, while affirming that its nuclear program is a strategic choice to help Pyongyang strengthen its defense capabilities.

North Korea's Hwasong-12 missile is launched from an undisclosed location on September 17. (Source: Yonhap/VNA)

The statement, carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), stressed that the US should abandon any hope that North Korea would sit down at the negotiating table to discuss denuclearization, stating that Pyongyang would continue to strengthen its nuclear deterrence unless "the US hostile policy toward the DPRK is abolished."

The statement also affirmed that North Korea does not oppose dialogue to resolve the current tense situation but will never negotiate on issues related to national interests and security.

The statement was made as US President Donald Trump will make an official visit to South Korea early next week to discuss the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, as well as deliver a speech to the South Korean National Assembly to call for "unity in the face of the common threat" posed by Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains tense over North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and after the US announced it would use military action to deal with this threat if necessary./.

According to Vietnamplus