Seoul: The foreign ministry of South Korea stated on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump's recent reference to North Korea as a "nuclear power" is consistent with his previous approach towards the regime. This suggests that his administration does not recognize North Korea as a nuclear-armed state.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump's remarks were made during a press session following a swearing-in ceremony, where he mentioned having "got along very well" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This comment has drawn attention in South Korea, amid speculation that Trump may attempt to rekindle nuclear diplomacy with Kim, which had stalled after the 2019 summit in Hanoi ended without an agreement.
Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump highlighted his personal connection with Kim, having met with him three times during his first term. The South Korean foreign ministry noted that Trump's latest comments are consistent with his past statements, which focus on leader-to-leader engagement to address North Korea's nuclear issue.
The ministry emphasized that Trump's comments were made in response to questions about other threats beyond North Korea, reinforcing the international community's stance on denuclearization. Under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), North Korea is not recognized as a nuclear-armed state, with only the United States, Britain, Russia, France, and China holding that status.
North Korea withdrew from the NPT in 2003 after accusations from Washington regarding a covert uranium enrichment program. The South Korean foreign ministry assured continued collaboration with the U.S. and international partners on North Korea's denuclearization.
Additionally, Seoul's defense ministry reiterated that denuclearization of the North is essential for lasting peace and stability. An official from the unification ministry confirmed that both South Korea and the U.S. maintain a unified stance on the complete denuclearization of North Korea and are working closely with the new U.S. administration.
Trump's remarks align with his Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth's description of North Korea as a "nuclear power" in written responses to the Senate Armed Services Committee. However, most U.S. officials avoid labeling Pyongyang as such, as it could be seen as legitimizing its contentious weapons program.