Claims of 'Security Anxiety' Over US Nuclear Simulation Experiment
North Korea recently condemned the United States for conducting a 'subcritical nuclear test,' claiming that the U.S. is responsible for increasing instability in the security environment.
According to the Korean Central News Agency on the 20th, North Korea, in a statement issued under the name of a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said, "The impact of the U.S.'s recent subcritical nuclear test on the military security situation in the Korean Peninsula must never be overlooked," and added, "We cannot help but reconsider the necessary measures to enhance the overall nuclear deterrence posture within the range of possible options."
The Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Kentucky (SSBN-737) is docked at Busan Port. [Image source=Yonhap News]
North Korea repeatedly criticized the U.S. nuclear test, stating, "The current administration's pledge to reduce reliance on nuclear weapons to lower the risk of strategic miscalculation and ease military tensions has been exposed as nothing but a lie."
In particular, it cited last year's port call of a U.S. strategic nuclear submarine (SSBN) in Busan, the activation of the ROK-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), and the upcoming ROK-U.S. joint exercise 'Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS)' scheduled for August, including nuclear operational plans, arguing that "the United States has no right to talk about anyone's nuclear war threats." It emphasized, "We will thoroughly protect the nation's safety and interests through strong deterrent actions in response to the evolving U.S. nuclear threat."
Meanwhile, on the 14th (local time), the United States conducted a subcritical nuclear test at an underground research facility in Nevada. This is a type of simulated test conducted without a nuclear explosion. This marks the third subcritical nuclear test conducted by the U.S. since the Biden administration took office in January 2021.
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