In a statement issued through the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and a member of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s Central Committee, has strongly condemned the visit of the US nuclear submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) to Busan, South Korea. This development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.
Kim Yo-jong’s statement highlights the US’s perceived actions as a threat to North Korea’s sovereignty. According to her, the US not only uses military force to suppress the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) but also forms various military alliances in the region to attract followers. The deployment of nuclear strategic assets, including the USS Vermont, in the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula and its surroundings is seen as a provocative gesture. Kim Yo-jong stated that the entry of the nuclear submarine into Busan is a showy act of threatening behavior, revealing the US’s ambition to exert dominance through force.
In response to the US nuclear submarine’s visit, Kim Yo-jong emphasized that no matter how the US demonstrates its power, it cannot alter the current situation. She stressed that the nation’s nuclear deterrent capabilities should continue to be strengthened in terms of quality to counter external threats, particularly those posed by US nuclear threats and intimidation. She further asserted that US strategic assets will ultimately find no foothold in the Korean Peninsula region.
On the same day, the statement also revealed that North Korea’s State Affairs Commission’s independent intelligence agency, the Aerospace Reconnaissance Bureau, had detected an abnormal object at Busan Port on September 23 at 10:03 AM. This suggests that North Korea is closely monitoring and analyzing any unusual activities in its neighboring waters.
The USS Vermont, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, arrived at the Busan Naval Base on September 23. The submarine is expected to replenish supplies and allow crew members to rest. This visit comes as part of routine operations but has been met with strong criticism from North Korea, which views it as a direct provocation.
This latest development in the ongoing tensions between North Korea and the United States highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. The condemnation from North Korea underscores its determination to maintain its nuclear capabilities and defend its sovereignty against what it perceives as external threats. The situation remains volatile, and any further actions by either side could significantly impact regional stability.
The international community is closely monitoring this situation, with concerns about potential escalation of hostilities. Diplomatic efforts and dialogues aimed at de-escalation and maintaining peace in the region remain crucial. The US and South Korea have stated that the visit is part of their routine operations and is not intended to provoke any confrontation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in the Korean Peninsula and the broader Asia-Pacific region, where nuclear deterrence and regional security remain central issues. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution of these tensions.
Views: 0