North Korea declared its nuclear weapons programme “absolutely non-negotiable

North Korea declared its nuclear weapons programme “absolutely non-negotiable

¨     North Korea declared its nuclear weapons programme “absolutely non-negotiable” on 7 June 2026.

¨     The statement was issued by Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un.

¨     It described North Korea’s nuclear status as “absolutely irreversible” and linked it to national sovereignty and security.

¨     North Korea has enshrined its nuclear weapons state status in its constitution in 2023.

¨     The policy includes nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, which remain under UN Security Council sanctions.

¨     North Korea considers its nuclear arsenal a deterrent against external invasion.

¨     International assessments estimate North Korea possesses dozens of nuclear warheads.

¨     Kim Yo Jong is a senior political figure who often delivers official state statements through state media.

¨     She rejected claims of denuclearisation talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, calling them false information.

¨     Xi Jinping was scheduled to visit Pyongyang for two days from 8 June 2026, marking his first visit in seven years.

¨     North Korea and China are treaty allies under the 1961 Sino–North Korean Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.

¨     Kim Jong Un reiterated in February 2026 that North Korea would continue expanding its nuclear forces.

¨  Reports also mentioned a new uranium enrichment facility and continued military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.