North Korea's Kim Yo Jong Rejects Denuclearization Talks with U.S.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has dismissed the United States' intent to resume diplomacy on North Korea's denuclearization. In a statement reported by state media, she emphasized that any attempt to deny North Korea's status as a nuclear weapons state would be thoroughly rejected. Kim Yo Jong highlighted the significant changes in North Korea's nuclear capabilities and the geopolitical environment since previous summits with the U.S., suggesting that future meetings would remain unproductive if the U.S. does not accept this new reality. She also noted that while the personal relationship between Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump is "not bad," using this relationship to advance denuclearization would be viewed as "nothing but a mockery." Kim Yo Jong's remarks indicate that North Korea seeks a shift in U.S. policy, urging Washington to recognize North Korea as a nuclear-armed state and to explore alternative approaches to engagement. This development underscores the challenges in resuming meaningful dialogue between the two nations on the issue of denuclearization.