Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has slammed back a recent resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemnatory of Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme, accusing the UN nuclear watchdog of double standards.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister Kim Yo Jong said the IAEA stance was a one-sided attitude to Pyongyang. Her comments follow the agency’s decision to pass a resolution denouncing North Korea’s nuclear program at its 70th General Conference in Vienna.
Kim also criticized the IAEA for turning a blind eye to what she described as the United States and South Korea’s nuclear proliferation activities, such as Seoul’s nuclear-powered submarine plans, in a statement published by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North Korea’s nuclear programme is a legitimate measure for self-defence, she said.
Meanwhile, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry slammed the IAEA resolution, declaring that it is a nuclear power “irreversibly” backed by its nuclear deterrence.
Kim Jong Un Inspects Weapons Factories
Kim Jong Un’s visit coincided with a KCNA report of a three-day inspection trip of key munitions factories in North Korea.
In the visits, Kim emphasized the necessity of the artillery forces of North Korea to be equipped with “concentrated and destructive” offensive power. He also reported that the modernisation of all aspects of the country’s defence system was bringing about major changes in the military structure and capability.
Kim Yo Jong’s remarks are part of a string of Pyongyang’s remarks that has spurned international appeals for denuclearisation. She expressed earlier this week that North Korea would never become a non-nuclear state and the North Korean authorities have been chiding recent US-led military exercises in the region.
The new comments coincide with increased military ties between North Korea and Russia. Pyongyang has been upgrading some of its military units with Russian help since the two countries concluded a mutual defense pact in 2024, and North Korean troops have gained combat experience in the conflict in Ukraine, analysts cited by Reuters said.
The IAEA and other governments have been objecting to North Korea’s efforts to produce nuclear weapons and have demanded its dismantling. However Pyongyang continues to reject denuclearisation and maintain its nuclear capabilities are vital to its security.
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