Why Did North Korea Denounce the Seoul-US Joint Fact Sheet?
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Synopsis
North Korea has sternly rejected a joint fact sheet released by South Korea and the US, asserting that it formalizes a confrontational policy against Pyongyang. This warning signals potential countermeasures from the North, raising tensions in the region and highlighting the complexities of US-North Korea relations.
Key Takeaways
- North Korea criticizes the US-South Korea joint fact sheet.
- Warning of countermeasures against perceived threats.
- Concerns over denuclearization commitments and nuclear submarine developments.
- Desire for diplomatic engagement remains from North Korea.
- Regional security tensions continue to escalate.
Seoul, Nov 18 (NationPress) On Tuesday, North Korea vehemently criticized the dissemination of a joint fact sheet by South Korea and the United States regarding their trade and security pacts, claiming it effectively formalizes their confrontational policy against Pyongyang. The North issued a warning that it would respond with countermeasures.
This rebuke followed the release of the document on Friday that detailed the outcomes of two summits between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump during August and October. Concurrently, the two allies also published a joint statement after their annual defense discussions in early November.
In a detailed statement disseminated by state media, North Korea took issue with specifics from the fact sheet, particularly the commitment from Seoul and Washington to complete the denuclearization of the North and the US' endorsement of South Korea's initiative to develop nuclear-powered submarines.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), “The DPRK will take more justified and realistic countermeasures to defend the sovereignty and security interests of the state and regional peace, corresponding to the fact that the confrontational intention of the US and the ROK to remain hostile towards the DPRK was formulated as their policy once again.”
The term DPRK refers to North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, while ROK stands for South Korea's official title, the Republic of Korea.
North Korea asserted that the announcement of the summit agreements was “the most vivid manifestation” of the Trump administration's stance toward the North and condemned the US commitment with South Korea to achieve complete denuclearization of the North, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
According to the North, “This is an intensive expression of their confrontational will to deny the constitution of the DPRK to the last. It proves that their only option is confrontation with the DPRK.”
Additionally, North Korea criticized Washington's approval of Seoul's pursuit of nuclear submarines as a “serious development” that threatens security in the Asia-Pacific region and “causes the situation of impossible nuclear control in the global sphere.”
KCNA remarked, “The ROK's possession of nuclear submarines is a strategic move for 'its own nuclear weaponization' and this is bound to cause a 'nuclear domino phenomenon' in the region and spark a hot arms race.”
North Korea also condemned the US for backing South Korea's aspirations to secure uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing capabilities, labeling it as “laying a springboard for” Seoul to evolve into a “quasi-nuclear weapons state.”
This warning from the North came amid its silence regarding Trump’s repeated offers to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to revive stalled diplomatic efforts. Kim previously stated that the North is open to discussions with the US if Washington does not impose denuclearization as a prerequisite for dialogue.
Point of View
It is essential to approach this situation with an unbiased perspective. The recent developments reflect a growing tension between North Korea and the US-South Korea alliance. While North Korea's reactions are rooted in its security concerns, the international community must continue to seek diplomatic avenues to ease these tensions and promote stability in the region. Our commitment remains to report factual and comprehensive analyses.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to North Korea's condemnation of the fact sheet?
North Korea condemned the fact sheet as it formalizes a confrontational stance against Pyongyang, particularly criticizing the commitment to denuclearization and the approval of South Korea's nuclear submarine program.
What is the significance of the joint fact sheet?
The joint fact sheet outlines the outcomes of summits between South Korea and the US, reflecting their strategic military and trade agreements, which North Korea perceives as a threat.
How might North Korea respond to this situation?
North Korea has warned of taking countermeasures to defend its sovereignty and security interests, which could escalate tensions further.
What is the DPRK and ROK?
DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which is North Korea's official name, while ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, the official name for South Korea.
Is diplomatic dialogue still an option?
Yes, North Korea stated it remains open to talks with the US, provided that denuclearization is not set as a precondition for negotiations.
