North Korea confirms continuous update of its nuclear capabilities - Sarmad

North Korea confirmed on Monday that it will continue to develop and upgrade its nuclear capabilities “continuously and without any interruption,” rejecting a call by the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, and describing it as “another expression of hostility toward a responsible nuclear state.”

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as saying that Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities will continue to evolve and be upgraded constantly, without any moment of stagnation, emphasizing that nuclear deterrence represents the ultimate shield for protecting the country’s sovereignty and security.

Jong, who speaks on behalf of her country on international issues, added that calls for North Korea’s denuclearization reflect an “hostile stance” toward what she described as a “responsible nuclear state.”

The remarks came in response to the final statement of the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting, which called for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula, according to Reuters.