Kim Jong Un Says North Korea Can ‘Get Along’ With US But Nuclear Weapons Are Non-Negotiable

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said that his country could improve relations with the United States but only if Washington accepts that North Korea is now a nuclear state.

Speaking at the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party in Pyongyang, Kim made it clear that North Korea has no plans to give up its nuclear weapons. Instead, he announced plans to increase the number of nuclear warheads and expand their operational range.

US Relations: Door Open, But With Conditions

Kim said the United States and North Korea could “get along well” if the US changes what he described as a hostile policy and respects North Korea’s nuclear status written into its constitution.

He added that the future of relations depends entirely on the attitude of the US. According to Kim, North Korea is ready for either peaceful coexistence or long-term confrontation.

These remarks come as speculation grows about possible renewed talks between Kim and former US President Donald Trump, who previously met Kim in 2018 and 2019. Interestingly, Trump’s recent global security strategy did not strongly focus on North Korea’s denuclearisation something that had been a key US demand for years.

Strong Words for South Korea

While Kim left room for talks with Washington, his message to South Korea was much harsher. He called Seoul the North’s “most hostile entity” and said Pyongyang would no longer treat South Korea as a partner for reunification.

This signals that North Korea may prefer dealing directly with the US rather than through South Korea.

Expanding Nuclear Power

Despite heavy international sanctions, North Korea continues to develop its weapons program. According to estimates by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the country has around 50 assembled nuclear warheads and enough material to build many more.

Kim has repeatedly stated that denuclearisation is no longer an option. In previous speeches, he said North Korea is permanently a nuclear state and will continue strengthening its military power.

Kim’s Daughter in the Spotlight

Photos from the party congress also showed Kim’s teenage daughter, Ju Ae, standing beside him at a military parade. Earlier this month, South Korea’s intelligence agency suggested that she may be preparing to become his successor in the future.

Her public appearances have increased recently, raising questions about North Korea’s long-term leadership plans.

What Happens Next?

Kim’s speech sends a clear message: North Korea is willing to talk, but it will not give up its nuclear weapons.

Whether this leads to renewed diplomacy or deeper tensions will depend largely on how the United States responds. For now, Pyongyang appears confident in its position ready for peace talks, but equally prepared for continued confrontation. Source