North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to adopt the “toughest” anti-U.S. policy, less than a month before Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency.
While Trump’s previous interactions with Kim featured high-profile diplomacy, experts suggest that a quick revival of summit talks is unlikely. Trump is expected to initially focus on global conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East, and North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine presents additional challenges for resuming negotiations.
During a recent five-day meeting of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, Kim labeled the U.S. as “the most reactionary state” and accused its partnership with South Korea and Japan of forming “a nuclear military bloc for aggression.” Kim reportedly outlined strategies for intensified anti-U.S. measures aimed at safeguarding North Korea’s long-term security and interests. While state media did not provide specifics, Kim emphasized enhancing military capabilities and strengthening soldiers’ resolve.
Despite the personal rapport established during Trump’s first term, including three summits to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program, their talks ultimately collapsed in 2019 over sanctions disputes. Since then, North Korea has accelerated its weapons development, prompting increased U.S.-South Korea-Japan military drills, which Pyongyang views as invasion rehearsals.
Adding complexity to diplomatic efforts, North Korea’s deepening military ties with Russia have drawn global scrutiny.
Reports suggest North Korea has sent over 10,000 troops and military equipment to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, with concerns that Russia might provide advanced weapons technology in exchange. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently estimated that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed or injured in the conflict.
Meanwhile, Russia and China have consistently blocked U.S.-led efforts at the United Nations to impose further sanctions on North Korea, despite its continued missile testing in violation of U.N. resolutions.
Last month, Kim reiterated that past negotiations with the U.S. only underscored Washington’s hostility, affirming his commitment to a nuclear buildup as a deterrent against external threats.
