Japanese Government Responds to Kim Jong Un: "North Korea's Nuclear Missile Development Is Unacceptable"

"Threat to Peace and Security of Japan and the World"

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary, is holding a press conference at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo in January 2024. Secretary Hayashi stated on the 22nd that North Korea's development of nuclear missiles is unacceptable. Photo by AP Yonhap News

On September 22, the Japanese government stated its position regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's indication that he could engage in dialogue with the United States on the condition of abandoning denuclearization, declaring that "North Korea's development of nuclear missiles is absolutely unacceptable."

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, responded to related questions during a regular press briefing on the same day, saying, "North Korea's development of nuclear missiles threatens the peace and security of our country (Japan) and the international community," reiterating this stance.

He added, "We will continue to work with the United States, South Korea, and the broader international community to demand the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and the complete dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs." He also stated, "While I will refrain from making any predictions or comments regarding dialogue between North Korea and the United States, cooperation with the United States and the international community is indispensable in responding to North Korea, and we intend to continue close coordination with the U.S. government going forward."

According to North Korean media, Chairman Kim stated in a speech at the Supreme People's Assembly the previous day, "Personally, I have good memories of the current U.S. President Trump," and added, "If the United States abandons its unrealistic obsession with denuclearization and seeks genuine peaceful coexistence with us based on an acknowledgment of reality, there is no reason why we cannot stand face-to-face with the United States."

At the same time, Chairman Kim said, "The world already knows well what the United States does after forcing the abandonment of nuclear weapons and disarmament," and declared, "We will never give up our nuclear weapons." He continued, "There will be no negotiations in which we trade anything with hostile countries in exchange for lifting sanctions, and there will never be such negotiations in the future."

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit South Korea to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will be held in Gyeongju for two days starting October 31. This has led to speculation that President Trump, during his visit, could meet Chairman Kim for a fourth time.