Amid Global Crises, North Korea’s Nuclear Ambitions Remain a Concern
While the world watches the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, leaders at the United Nations are also quietly discussing the ongoing threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear program.
A top State Department official said this issue is constantly being raised, especially in meetings between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and leaders from Japan and South Korea. President Trump also addressed the matter in a recent meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
Although past summits between President Trump and Kim Jong Un brought hope for progress, no such meetings are currently planned. President Trump will visit South Korea in October but does not intend to meet with Kim Jong Un at the Demilitarized Zone.
The U.S. maintains its stance that North Korea must completely give up its nuclear weapons. However, Kim Jong Un has stated he will only talk if the U.S. drops this demand.
Kim has been quoted as saying that if the U.S. stops insisting on denuclearization and accepts peaceful coexistence, there is no reason not to negotiate.
President Trump has also expressed interest in working with Russia and China to reduce nuclear weapons. A key step, according to the State Department official, is for China to be more open about its own nuclear arsenal.
The Defense Department estimates that China possessed around 600 nuclear warheads in mid-2024 and is rapidly increasing this number, potentially reaching over 1,000 by 2030.
Outside estimates suggest North Korea has about 50 warheads and enough material for 70-90 in total.
The official also mentioned that the AUKUS submarine agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. is being reviewed, with updates expected soon. These discussions, along with President Trump’s upcoming summits in Asia, will likely shape U.S. strategy in the region.
With North Korea unwilling to negotiate and China hesitant to be transparent, the U.S. government is relying on its allies and strengthening its defenses.
