North Korea vows to retain nuclear arsenal indefinitely, says foreign minister
In a statement issued to KCNA, Choe Son Hui reaffirmed the regime's unwavering intention to maintain its nuclear stockpile without limit. The remarks came after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung appealed at the UN for a nuclear-free Korean peninsula. Pyongyang also announced a test of modernised 240 mm multiple rocket launchers with a range of about 115 km. The nuclear policy has been enshrined in the North Korean constitution since 2023.
North Korea's foreign minister Choe Son Hui announced that the state will preserve its nuclear weapons "for eternity," emphasizing an irreversible nuclear status. The statement was a direct response to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's speech at the United Nations General Assembly, where he urged an end to North Korea's nuclear and ballistic developments. Pyongyang also reported a successful test of upgraded 240 mm multiple rocket launchers capable of striking targets up to 115 km away.
The nuclear commitment was incorporated into the country's constitution in 2023, underscoring its permanence. Relations remain tense as the two Koreas are still technically at war, and the United States has expressed interest in resuming talks with Pyongyang. The announcement highlights the ongoing stalemate over denuclearisation on the peninsula.
How this story developed
- Sep 18 South Korea and U.S. intensify talks over Seoul's U.S. investment project
- Sep 20 North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile into the East Sea, prompting reports from Japan and South Korea, while the UN nuclear watchdog's resolution was rejected.
- Sep 20 A second projectile was identified as an unidentified type rather than a short‑range ballistic missile.
- Sep 21 South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in New York for a trilateral discussion on economic and security issues.
- Sep 22 North Korean state media did not report the missile launches.
- Sep 22 The ministers released a joint statement reaffirming denuclearisation commitment and defence guarantees.
- Sep 23 South Korea has now selected the Encinal plant as the inaugural U.S. investment project.
- Sep 23 President Lee presented a three‑stage denuclearisation roadmap and pledged Seoul would help restart U.S.–North Korea talks.
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