North Korea announces strengthening of its nuclear deterrence capabilities.

On November 4th, North Korea declared it would not negotiate with the United States on the issue of denuclearization, while asserting that its nuclear program was a strategic choice to enhance Pyongyang's defense capabilities.

North Korea's Hwasong-12 missile was launched from a secret location on September 17. (Source: Yonhap/VNA)

The statement, published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), emphasized that the U.S. should abandon any hope that North Korea will sit down at the negotiating table to discuss denuclearization, stating that Pyongyang will continue to strengthen its nuclear deterrence capabilities unless "the U.S. hostile policy toward North Korea is abandoned."

The statement also affirmed that North Korea does not oppose dialogue aimed at resolving the current tensions, but will never negotiate on issues related to national interests and security.

The statement comes as US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit 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 calling for "unity in the face of a common threat" posed by Pyongyang's missile and nuclear programs.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains tense due to North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and following the US declaration that it would use military action to counter this threat if necessary.

According to Vietnamplus