The North Korean leadership fiercely reacted to the G7 countries’ call to end their nuclear arms program. The statement highlighted that they would continue to enhance their nuclear arms capabilities against external nuclear threats. Furthermore, it was stated, “As a responsible nuclear power, the country will defend peace and security in the region and the world.”

Following a joint statement released after the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting held in Canada, North Korea expressed strong objections.

In a written statement from the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it reminded that the G7 foreign ministers called on the Pyongyang regime to halt its nuclear arms and ballistic missile programs. It was expressed, “We are deeply concerned about the hostile statements from G7 members questioning the right of a sovereign state to possess nuclear deterrence, which is the largest obstacle to efforts aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and maintaining world peace and security.”

The statement emphasized that tolerance for interference in North Korea’s sovereignty and internal affairs would not be shown. It accused G7 countries of using nuclear weapons as a primary tool to achieve aggressive and hegemonic political and military goals, engaging in illegal and malicious nuclear proliferation activities under the pretext of nuclear sharing and expanded deterrence. It accused G7 countries of turning into a nuclear crime organization and claimed responsibility for global nuclear tension, asserting that G7 nations, led by the US and its allies, should be the first to completely and irreversibly renounce nuclear weapons before talking about nuclear disarmament.

The announcement defended North Korea’s nuclear weapon development activities, stating that it will continue to intensify them without slowing down. It emphasized that North Korea’s nuclear power status, defined by its own laws, does not depend on recognition by others. It declared that its nuclear power will continue to be a strong arbiter of justice to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core interests, prevent war on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, and maintain strategic stability globally. It reiterated that North Korea will renew and enhance its nuclear arsenal in response to external nuclear threats to uphold peace and security for the country, region, and the world.