North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

North Korea harshly criticized US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after he classifies the country as a “dishonest state.” In a statement issued by the state media on Monday (3), a spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry stated that Rubio’s “rude and meaningless comments” only confirm US unchanged hostility in relation to the Republic Popular Democratic of Korea (RPDC).

“Rubio’s comments only directly show the incorrect view of the new US administration about RPDC,” said the spokesman, stressing that Rubio’s comments do not contribute to the interests of the United States.

Pyongyang’s reaction is the first direct criticism of Donald Trump government, demonstrating that Kim Jong Un regime is not willing to resign autonomy over its nuclear programs, despite the recent nods of the US President.

Diffections in diplomacy

Marco Rubio, a republican senator and influential member of the US Senate Foreign Committee, made the statement on North Korea in an interview granted on Thursday (29) to presenter Megyn Kelly, Siriusxm. He also included Iran on the list of “dishonest states.” Although this classification is common in the speech of US authorities, the controversy intensified after Trump referred to North Korea as a “nuclear power” last month. Such an expression contradicts US historical policy to avoid any implicit recognition of Pyongyang’s nuclear status.

Trump met three times with Kim during his first term, becoming the first acting US president to hold a summit with a North Korean leader. The White House head has always maintained an ambiguous speech about the North Korean regime. He has already described Kim as an “intelligent face” and recently reiterated his interest in resuming dialogue with the Asian leader.

North Korean military advances

Despite Trump’s gestures, North Korea continues to reinforce its military capabilities. Last week, Kim Jong Un inspected a nuclear material production installation and requested the expansion of the country’s nuclear combat capabilities. According to North Korean state media, there have been three exhibitions of weapons in 2025, including short-range ballistic missiles, a new intermediate hypersonic missile and strategic cruise missiles.

Kim’s priority seems to be an estimated number of 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean soldiers sent to support Russia’s three-year war efforts against Ukraine, the northern’s first major participation in a foreign war. North Korea also provided a vast amount of artillery and other conventional weapons for Russia.

In return, North Korea seems to be receiving Russian economic and military assistance. Last June, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a historical pact promising mutual military assistance if any of the countries are attacked. Seoul, Washington and his partners fear that Putin can give Kim sophisticated technologies that can increase their nuclear missile programs.

Source: vermelho.org.br



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