Washington: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has no intention of negotiating away his regime's nuclear and strategic weapons programs, according to a U.S. threat report released Tuesday. The report suggests that Kim is seeking at least "tacit" recognition as a nuclear power.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) released its Annual Threat Assessment, with DNI Tulsi Gabbard indicating that North Korea might be prepared for another nuclear test "on short notice" and could continue intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests to strengthen its negotiation leverage.
The assessment coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump's openness to resuming dialogue with Kim. However, there is speculation that Trump might focus on reducing threats from Pyongyang, rather than eliminating its nuclear arms, despite his stated goal of North Korea's "complete" denuclearization.
The report states that "Kim has no intention of negotiating away his strategic weapons programs," seen as essential for regime security and national pride. It also highlights that Russia is increasingly supporting North Korea's nuclear status in exchange for Pyongyang's support for Russia's actions in Ukraine.
During a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing, Gabbard emphasized Pyongyang's commitment to its nuclear program. She stated that North Korea is likely ready for another nuclear test and continues testing ICBMs to showcase its capabilities as leverage in future negotiations.
The report underscores concerns over a deepening North Korea-Russia alignment, supported by a strategic partnership treaty signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June last year. This treaty includes a military aid clause reminiscent of their Cold War-era alliance.
Kim's partnership with Russia is providing financial, diplomatic, and defense benefits while reducing reliance on Beijing. The report cautions that North Korea's munitions supplies to Russia could yield technical expertise for its own weapons development, potentially accelerating its testing and deployment efforts.
The report also mentions that Kim may resort to force when perceiving U.S. or allied actions as threats. It warns of possible escalations if North Korea feels its deterrence efforts are insufficient or if Kim believes such actions might intimidate the U.S. or South Korea into altering their policies.
Additionally, the report highlights the possibility of Kim challenging the Northern Limit Line, a disputed maritime boundary between North and South Korea, raising prospects for renewed clashes.
Gabbard also noted concerns about collaboration among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea against U.S. interests, with these countries potentially working together to challenge U.S. capabilities and protect themselves from sanctions.