Ahead of Taiwan invasion by ally Xi, Kim doubles down on North Korea's nuke status, mocks US on Iran

North Korea has once again rejected denuclearisation, with Kim Jong Un declaring that Pyongyang will continue to assert its position as a nuclear state. During a key Workers’ Party meeting, Kim accused the United States of fueling global instability and vowed to strengthen North Korea’s military capabilities. He also ordered the accelerated construction of a new 10,000-ton strategic guided missile cruiser. Analysts say Pyongyang now wants future negotiations to focus on arms control rather than dismantling its nuclear arsenal. The latest remarks are expected to heighten concerns in Washington, Seoul and across the wider Asia-Pacific region.es