North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong delivered a robust defense of the nation’s nuclear weapons program during a rare appearance at the United Nations General Assembly on September 29, 2025. This marked the first time Pyongyang has sent a high-ranking official to address the assembly as 2018.
Kim Son Gyong asserted that any discussion of denuclearization equates to a demand for North Korea to relinquish its sovereignty. The statement underscores Pyongyang’s firm stance against abandoning its nuclear arsenal, despite international pressure and sanctions. This position has significant implications for regional security and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The international community remains deeply concerned about North Korea’s continued advancement of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, viewing them as a threat to global peace and stability.
The Vice Foreign Minister’s address directly challenged the core premise of international negotiations, which have long sought to persuade North Korea to dismantle its nuclear program in exchange for security guarantees and economic assistance. According to Kim, surrendering its nuclear capabilities would leave the country vulnerable to external threats.
This latest declaration follows years of escalating tensions, punctuated by missile tests and defiant rhetoric from Pyongyang. While past negotiations have stalled,the possibility of renewed dialog remains a key focus for countries including the United states,South Korea,and China. The situation is further complex by evolving geopolitical dynamics and the potential for miscalculation.
