Summary
North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong defended the country's nuclear weapons program at the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing its importance for national security. This marked North Korea's first address to the assembly since 2018, following collapsed denuclearization talks with the U.S. Kim criticized U.S.-led military exercises and called for reforms in the U.N., particularly regarding the Security Council's structure.
Key Facts
- North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister spoke at the U.N. General Assembly, defending their nuclear program.
- This was North Korea's first speech at the General Assembly since 2018.
- Denuclearization talks between the U.S. and North Korea broke down in 2019.
- Kim stated that North Korea's nuclear weapons are crucial for its security against perceived U.S. aggression.
- The U.S. conducts military exercises with South Korea and Japan, which North Korea views as a threat.
- Kim called for more representation of developing countries in the U.N. and changes to the Security Council.
- North Korea reportedly has about 50 nuclear warheads.
- South Korea estimates North Korea can produce 15 to 20 new warheads each year.
