Kim Yo-jong: North Korea's Nuclear Status 'Absolutely Irreversible'

Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has stated that North Korea's status as a nuclear-armed state is "absolutely irreversible" and vowed not to tolerate any threats against it, according to the North's state media. This statement comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang, highlighting North Korea's unwavering commitment to its nuclear program despite international pressure for denuclearization. The U.S. State Department noted that U.S. President Donald Trump and Xi had reaffirmed their goal of denuclearizing North Korea during their recent summit, but Kim Yo-jong dismissed these comments as "spreading lies." North Korea justifies its continued military buildup, including its nuclear program, citing persistent threats from hostile countries, notably the recent U.S. approval of a potential sale of precision bombs to South Korea. Kim Yo-jong's statement underscores the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.