Seoul, 07 June (H.S.):

North Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and expanding its nuclear weapons programme, declaring that its status as a nuclear-armed state is not open to negotiation. The statement was issued by Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Pyongyang.

In remarks published by state media, Kim Yo Jong stressed that North Korea's nuclear capabilities form a central part of its national security strategy and will not be surrendered under external pressure. She stated that the country's position as a nuclear power is permanent and warned against what she described as attempts to challenge or undermine that status.

The comments come at a significant diplomatic moment, as China prepares for a high-profile visit aimed at strengthening ties with its long-time ally. Beijing remains North Korea's most important economic and political partner, providing critical support as the country continues to face extensive international sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

Xi's visit will be his first trip to North Korea in seven years and follows a period of intense diplomatic activity involving meetings with major world leaders. Analysts believe the visit could further reinforce strategic cooperation between Beijing and Pyongyang at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.

North Korea has consistently expanded its nuclear and missile programmes despite repeated international sanctions and calls for denuclearisation. In recent years, Pyongyang has increasingly portrayed its nuclear arsenal as an irreversible component of national defence. The country's leadership formally incorporated its nuclear status into domestic law and has repeatedly ruled out negotiations aimed at complete disarmament.

Kim Yo Jong also criticised recent statements from Washington suggesting that North Korea's denuclearisation remains a shared objective among major powers. She dismissed such claims as unrealistic and argued that they fail to acknowledge the current strategic reality on the Korean Peninsula.

According to her statement, North Korea will continue pursuing policies designed to strengthen its nuclear deterrent and military capabilities. She described the programme as an essential safeguard against external threats and reaffirmed the leadership's commitment to enhancing the country's defence posture.

The latest remarks underscore the growing challenges facing international efforts to revive nuclear negotiations with Pyongyang. Diplomatic talks aimed at limiting North Korea's weapons programme have remained stalled for years, while the country has continued to develop more advanced missile and nuclear technologies.

Security experts say the statement signals that North Korea is unlikely to alter its strategic direction in the foreseeable future, further complicating regional security dynamics and diplomatic engagement efforts across East Asia.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar