North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to enforce the “toughest” anti-U.S. policy, according to state media reports, in anticipation of Donald Trump assuming the U.S. presidency. Kim’s declaration comes amid uncertainties regarding a swift return to high-level diplomacy between Pyongyang and Washington upon Trump’s return to the White House. During his first term, Trump engaged in multiple summits with Kim, but experts predict Trump will initially address other international conflicts before revisiting nuclear diplomacy with North Korea.
Kim made his stance clear during a Workers’ Party plenary meeting, denouncing the U.S. as a state committed to anti-communism. He condemned the growing U.S.-South Korea-Japan security collaborations as forming a “nuclear military bloc for aggression.” The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim outlined a strategy for aggressive counteraction against the U.S., emphasizing the enhancement of North Korea’s military and the strengthening of its soldiers’ mental resilience.
The previous period of diplomacy between Trump and Kim reduced belligerent exchanges and led to historic meetings. However, talks broke down in 2019 over disagreements on sanctions, and North Korea has advanced its weapons testing since. The U.S. and South Korea have consequently increased military exercises, which North Korea perceives as invasion rehearsals.
Further complicating diplomatic efforts is North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia, including the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. This has raised concerns about the potential exchange of advanced weapons technology between Moscow and Pyongyang. North Korea’s military support for Russia and ongoing missile tests have made it challenging for international bodies, hindered by Russia and China’s vetoes, to impose additional sanctions. Kim recently reiterated his belief that his country’s nuclear armament is essential for countering perceived threats from the U.S.
