North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, in his recent combative speech, accused Washington of “state terror” while avoiding direct attacks on President Donald Trump. It’s getting interpreted as a strategic opening for future diplomacy.
Kim Jong Un sends message to US after being reappointed to a third term
North Korea’s leader used his first major address since being confirmed to a third term as head of state to give a pointed message to the United States. Speaking Monday at the Supreme People’s Assembly in Pyongyang, Kim accused the United States of committing “acts of state terror and aggression all over the world.”
He vowed that North Korea would never surrender its nuclear weapons, framing them as the only reliable guarantee of national survival. Yet it was noted that Kim’s rhetorical offensive contained no mention of Trump.
The omission appears calculated to leave the door to diplomacy ajar. Even as Kim slammed shut the notion that his nuclear-armed nation could be pressured into submission. “Whether our adversaries choose confrontation or peaceful coexistence, that is their choice and we are prepared to respond,” Kim told the assembly.
The speech is Kim Jong Un’s first major policy address since North Korea’s parliament confirmed him to a third consecutive term as president of the State Affairs Commission. But it was his nuclear-focused rhetoric that drew the most attention. Much of Kim’s address appeared aimed at pre-empting comparisons between North Korea and nations like Iran or Venezuela, whose leaders were targeted in US-led operations this year.
Furthermore, Kim made clear that recent global events had vindicated the nuclear strategy his family had pursued for decades. “Hostile forces dangle incentives in exchange for our nuclear weapons, but today’s reality clearly demonstrates how justified our decision was to reject such offers and permanently secure our nuclear deterrent,” he said.
Kim has now enshrined his nuclear policy in law, with North Korea’s constitution codifying the country’s nuclear status. “Our country is no longer one that is threatened,” Kim said. “If necessary, it now possesses the power to pose a threat” (via South China Morning Post).
