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North Korea Cites US Threat as Reason to Expand Nuclear Arsenal

At the United Nations last week, Vice Foreign Minister Pak Kil Yon said that North Korea would continue to expand its nuclear arsenal in order to deter what it ...

Federal News Network Staff

October 5, 2010 8:00 am

< a min read

At the United Nations last week, Vice Foreign Minister Pak Kil Yon said that North Korea would continue to expand its nuclear arsenal in order to deter what it perceives as American and South Korean aggression in the region. He said North Korea has vowed to strengthen its nuclear arsenal because of the threat from the United States, and that as long as U.S. nuclear aircraft carriers sail around North Korea, the country’s nuclear deterrent should not be abandoned but strengthened further. Pak’s statement is somewhat discordant compared to recent North Korean behavior that promotes an international environment of reduced tension while leadership issues are deliberated in Pyongyang.