South Korea Declares North Korea Cannot Be Recognized as a Nuclear Power Following Trump's Nominee's Remarks
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Synopsis
On Jan 15, South Korea's foreign ministry declared that North Korea will never be acknowledged as a nuclear-armed state, as per the international nonproliferation treaty. This statement follows remarks from US Defence Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, reinforcing the shared principle of denuclearization among South Korea, the US, and the global community.
Key Takeaways
- North Korea cannot be recognized as a nuclear state under international law.
- Denuclearisation is a principle upheld by South Korea and the US.
- The NPT identifies only five nuclear-armed nations.
- North Korea withdrew from the NPT in 2003.
- The Biden administration continues to oppose North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Seoul, Jan 15 (NationPress) North Korea cannot be acknowledged as a nuclear-armed nation under the international nonproliferation treaty, and the principle of its denuclearisation is one that is shared by all involved parties, including South Korea and the US, stated the foreign ministry of Seoul on Wednesday.
These remarks came after the US Defence Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, referred to the North as a nuclear power in his written responses submitted to the US Senate for his confirmation hearing on Tuesday (US time), according to the Yonhap news agency.
The former Fox News host mentioned that the North’s status as a nuclear power and its emphasis on developing missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons present a threat to stability in the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
According to the ministry, North Korea's denuclearisation has been a principle consistently upheld by South Korea, the US, and the global community.
“Under the NPT (Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty), North Korea can never be recognized as a nuclear-armed state,” it stated.
The ministry also referenced the White House reaffirming its stance on the denuclearisation of the North.
The NPT is a worldwide agreement aimed at preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Only five nations are recognized as nuclear-armed states: the US, Britain, Russia, France, and China.
North Korea joined the NPT in 1985 but withdrew in 2003 following accusations from Washington of the regime pursuing a secret uranium enrichment program in violation of their bilateral agreement to freeze its nuclear projects.
On Tuesday, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby reiterated that the Biden administration maintains its unchanged stance on North Korea's denuclearisation policy.
“I can’t comment on how the incoming team will characterize it. We have not gone as far as recognition,” Kirby said during a press briefing.
