Brief
North Korea’s UN speech stresses self‑reliance amid regional tensions
North Korea’s annual UN address highlighted the country’s confidence in its deterrent forces and its preference for multilateralism, while underscoring its willingness to act alone if necessary.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Monday, North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong delivered the country’s annual speech at the United Nations, warning of a “harsh reality” marked by unprecedented mutual distrust and confrontation. The speech, described by the Independent as relatively mild and devoid of direct threats, focused on the regime’s self‑reliance and its readiness to defend itself against any external threat.
Kim said that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would “endure” and, in a multilateral world, “surely attain all that we plan to, relying entirely on our own efforts.” He criticised the United Nations for its “high‑handedness and unilateralism” and urged a move towards multilateralism and multipolarisation based on justice and equity.
The minister repeatedly stressed that the DPRK’s nuclear deterrent is “the absolute might and irresistible force” designed to safeguard its sovereignty. He added that the country’s war deterrent is powerful enough to break any would‑be aggressor’s will, and that it is “thoroughly containing and managing the hostile forces’ intention to use force.”
Kim also criticised Japan, calling it an “A‑class war criminal,” and noted that the security situation around the Korean Peninsula remains higher than any other part of the world, with no physical conflict occurring in the region.
While the speech reiterated familiar themes of self‑sufficiency and deterrence, it did not contain any new policy announcements or direct threats to other nations.
Key facts
- Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong delivered North Korea’s UN speech on 2026‑09‑28 (independent.co.uk)
- Speech warned of unprecedented mutual distrust and confrontation (independent.co.uk)
- Kim emphasised the DPRK’s nuclear deterrent as a powerful defensive force (independent.co.uk)
- The speech criticised the UN for high‑handedness and unilateralism (independent.co.uk)
- Kim called Japan an “A‑class war criminal” (independent.co.uk)
Background
The speech follows a series of heightened tensions in the Korean Peninsula, including a recent North Korean hypersonic missile test and a court ruling ordering North Korea to pay South Korea for the 2020 Kaesong liaison office bombing.
Why it matters
The address reflects North Korea’s continued emphasis on self‑reliance and deterrence amid regional security concerns.
What happens next
No new policy or diplomatic initiatives were announced.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “In a relatively mild speech, North Korea uses UN platform to lament 'mutual distrust' and tension”
