DISINFO: US is threatening North Korea with nuclear force
SUMMARY
The U.S. is engaging in 'nuclear blackmail' to escalate the situation on the Korean Peninsula and is striving to achieve 'absolute nuclear superiority.' Washington, together with its allies, is conducting a series of large-scale military exercises in the region to effectively test plans for using nuclear weapons against North Korea. Additionally, the U.S.'s changes to its nuclear doctrine and Japan's efforts to expand its nuclear capabilities are seen as threats to North Korea's sovereignty.
RESPONSE
U.S. nuclear weapons policy aligns with international laws and agreements, unlike North Korea’s. This includes the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which came into force in 1970. The U.S. has consistently worked within this framework to promote nuclear disarmament and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. The U.S. maintains transparency regarding its nuclear capabilities through the "Nuclear Posture Review" (NPR). The 2022 NPR states that the U.S. may only use nuclear weapons for self-defense or to protect its allies and partners.
North Korea and pro-Kremlin media outlets are portraying U.S. military exercises on the Korean Peninsula as preparations for a nuclear strike. These exercises, conducted by the U.S. and its allies, particularly South Korea, are defensive in nature and aim to maintain peace and stability in the region. Such exercises are not in violation of international law and are meant to enhance military readiness and strengthen cooperation between allied forces.
The claims that the U.S. is altering its nuclear doctrine are also unfounded. According to the 2022 NPR, the U.S. nuclear policy is focused on ensuring international peace and security and prioritizes the avoidance of nuclear weapons use. The U.S. has no plans to increase its nuclear capabilities or to threaten other countries.
Allegations that Japan is expanding its nuclear capabilities are similarly incorrect. Japan, in cooperation with the U.S., is strengthening its defense capabilities but remains a non-nuclear-armed state and a participant in the NPT. The Japanese government has not expressed any intention to develop or deploy nuclear weapons, and under international law, it has no right to do so.
The US and South Korea have repeatedly called on North Korea to engage in dialogue on denuclearisation. The summits held between North Korea and the US in 2018 and 2019 demonstrate the US's openness and willingness to communicate, but North Korea continues to pursue its nuclear program.