North Korea’s Kim Sets Terms for U.S. Talks

(MENAFN) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a dual-edged message to the world Thursday, dangling the possibility of improved ties with Washington while simultaneously slamming Seoul's recent outreach as hollow — deepening uncertainty over the Korean Peninsula's diplomatic trajectory.

Speaking at a congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, Kim laid out his conditions for engagement with the United States in terms that were pointed and direct.

"We have no reason not to get along with the United States if it respects our country's current status, as defined in the North Korean Constitution, and drops its hostile policy toward North Korea," he said, according to North Korean state media.

He made clear, however, that Pyongyang's patience has its limits — warning that a continued confrontational posture from Washington would be met in kind.

"Whether it is peaceful coexistence or eternal confrontation, we are prepared for both," Kim said, framing the path forward as entirely dependent on Washington's next move.

While stopping short of closing the door on American engagement, Kim offered no such flexibility toward South Korea, dismissing Seoul's dialogue overtures as "deceptive" — a rebuke that signals the inter-Korean divide remains as entrenched as ever.

The remarks arrive at a diplomatically charged moment, fueling fresh speculation about a potential thaw ahead of US President Donald Trump's anticipated visit to China in April.

South Korea's presidential office responded with measured restraint, signaling it would not be deterred by Kim's sharp language.

"Our government will continue efforts to open a future of co-prosperity in which the two Koreas can peacefully coexist and prosper together," a senior presidential official said. "To this end, the South and the North should refrain from hostile and confrontational rhetoric and build a foundation of mutual respect and trust."

Military Pageantry and War Warnings
The political signals came alongside a show of force. North Korea staged a full military parade in Pyongyang on Wednesday, timed to coincide with the party congress and offering a vivid display of the regime's martial priorities.

Addressing the assembled troops, Kim heaped praise on the Korean People's Army, casting it as the nation's irreplaceable shield against external threats.

"Our army will deliver terrible retaliatory attacks to any forces the moment they commit hostile military acts infringing upon our national sovereignty and security interests," he said, according to media.

China Calls for Calm
Beijing weighed in Thursday, urging all parties to step back from the brinkmanship following Kim's rejection of Seoul's dialogue bid.

"As a first neighbor of Korean Peninsula, China pays attention to developments on the peninsula," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing, adding that stability on the peninsula serves the interests of every party involved and that China hopes all sides will work collectively toward that goal.

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