"Our status as a nuclear power is non-negotiable", Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, declared on 7/6, emphasizing that Pyongyang "will not tolerate any threats."

Kim's statement came as Chinese President Xi Jinping was preparing to visit North Korea. A US State Department spokesperson said on 5/6 that President Donald Trump and Xi had reaffirmed their shared goal of North Korean denuclearization during a summit in Beijing last month.

Kim Yo-jong in Pyongyang in 8/2022. *Photo: AFP*

Kim rejected the report, accusing Washington of "spreading misinformation". She added that Pyongyang had received direct clarification from Beijing regarding the discussions between Xi and Trump.

"We have the most accurate information on whether that happened", she asserted.

The sister of leader Kim Jong-un also reiterated North Korea's reasons for continuing to boost its military capabilities, citing military threats from hostile nations, including the recent US approval for the potential sale of jdam bombs and related equipment to South Korea.

"This is why we are determined to strengthen our self-defense capabilities to ensure national security against the continuous military buildup by hostile nations", Kim emphasized.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Yonhap)