North Korea Tells UN of 'Harsh Reality' but Vows Self-Reliance

North Korea used its annual turn at the United Nations General Assembly to describe a world gripped by deepening distrust and confrontation, while insisting that Pyongyang would press ahead with its development plans on its own strength.

Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong, addressing the assembly in New York on Monday, said the past year had brought mounting mutual suspicion, infringements on sovereignty and military conflicts that had left the international order unsettled. He contrasted that reality with what he described as humanity's desire for peace and stability.

Kim, a mid-level official in the government of leader Kim Jong Un, spoke near the close of the General Debate, the final day of the annual leaders' meeting.

Much of his address focused on the security environment in East Asia. He said the Korean peninsula and its surroundings faced instability and tension at a level beyond that of the previous year, which he attributed to what he called persistent hostility towards the North and growing military confrontation involving the United States and its partners.

He singled out the trilateral military cooperation among the United States, Japan and South Korea, describing it as a bloc increasingly oriented towards offence and incorporating a nuclear dimension. He also cited joint exercises held this year, including those named Freedom Shield and Freedom Edge, and accused Washington of encouraging Seoul's ambitions to acquire nuclear-powered submarines while deploying advanced missiles and drones to the region.

Japan also drew sharp criticism. Kim referred to it as an A-class war criminal from the last century and accused Tokyo of accelerating rearmament, including efforts to revise its constitution, move away from an exclusively defensive posture and develop long-range strike weapons. He said such steps ran counter to Japan's obligations as a defeated nation and posed a challenge to global peace.

On his country's nuclear programme, Kim was unequivocal. He said the North's deterrent was intended solely to protect its sovereignty, security and peace against external aggression, and reiterated the government's position that its status as a nuclear weapons state is permanent and cannot be reversed under any circumstances.

He added that Pyongyang would continue to manage external threats through what he called overwhelming strength and would act as a responsible nuclear weapons state in defending its national interests and contributing to regional security.

Despite the critical tone towards Washington, Tokyo and Seoul, the address contained no direct threats of specific actions, in contrast with some past North Korean speeches at the world body. Kim also stressed that his country would achieve its goals through its own efforts, regardless of shifts in the international situation.

The remarks came as North Korea continues to press ahead with what it describes as a new era of comprehensive national development, a programme Kim said was being pursued under Kim Jong Un's leadership.