North Korea: U.S. Pressures Do Not Help Solve Nuclear Issue

A senior North Korean official, in an unprecedented criticism in recent weeks, stated that the U.S.'s 'miscalculation' in continuing military pressures and threats will not aid in disarmament. Simultaneously, a senior U.S. lawmaker has expressed doubts regarding Pyongyang's intentions. Since the North Korean leader proposed negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump and engaged in new diplomatic activities, there has been little direct criticism of Washington from North Korea. However, on May 5, a spokesperson for the North Korean Foreign Ministry told the country's official news agency that 'if the U.S. miscalculates the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (North Korea) strong interest in peace and continues its military pressures and threats, the approach to [nuclear] issues will not be constructive.' North Korea claims that its nuclear military program and missile program have prevented a nuclear attack on the peninsula. However, the United States and its allies describe Pyongyang's programs as a serious threat to global peace and security. China and Russia, which have closer ties with Pyongyang, have also voted in favor of several Security Council resolutions against North Korean activities. Donald Trump, the U.S. President, stated in mid-May during a speech, 'They said don’t talk like that about North Korea, because such a tone could lead to nuclear war. Do you know what causes nuclear war? Weakness causes nuclear war.' Mr. Trump had previously emphasized continuing pressure on North Korea until the nuclear disarmament issue on the Korean Peninsula is fully resolved. The North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Sunday, 'The U.S. is misleading public opinion with statements that North Korea's disarmament statement... is due to its pressures and sanctions.' Around the same time as the North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson's remarks, a senior U.S. congressional official also expressed doubts about Pyongyang's goals and intentions. Mac Thornberry, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told Fox News that North Korea is likely buying time to reduce pressures and create a rift among U.S. allies. Mr. Thornberry expressed overall pessimism about the events: 'I am sure they want to create a rift between us and South Korea, reduce the intensity of sanctions, lessen the pressure from China, and slightly escape the severe isolation they are in.' This U.S. lawmaker also suggested that Pyongyang may have conducted enough nuclear and missile tests and reached a level of 'confidence' in its military capabilities to propose dialogue.