South Korea on Tuesday rebuked President Donald Trump for calling North Korea a "nuclear power," sparking concern about the alliance between Washington and Seoul, The Hill reported.
South Korea bristled at Trump's remarks labeling North Korea a "nuclear power," saying the designation could jeopardize global efforts to dismantle Pyongyang's weapons program.
Officials in Seoul stressed that North Korea's nuclear ambitions remain an acute threat to regional stability and must never be recognized as legitimate.
"North Korea's denuclearization remains a consistent principle upheld by the international community, including South Korea and the U.S.," a South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.
The country also said North Korea can "never be recognized as a nuclear-armed state," NBC News reported.
South Korea's swift response came after Trump spoke about his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un while signing executive orders on Monday.
"Now, he is a nuclear power," Trump said. "I think he'll be happy to see I'm coming back."
U.S. officials typically avoid labeling North Korea a nuclear power because it could be construed as a formal acknowledgment of the regime's weapons program.
In Seoul, defense officials warned that ending North Korea's nuclear aspirations is essential for sustaining stability beyond the Korean Peninsula.
With Trump retaking the White House, world leaders closely monitor his stance toward leaders such as Kim, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Observers say Trump's approach to Kim could shape international negotiations on nuclear issues.
During his campaign, Trump often pointed to a personal rapport with the North Korean leader, claiming they get along "very well." He described the two as having a "really nasty" start to their relationship, marred by threats of nuclear warfare, before reaching an easing of such tensions.
Trump has also said that when he was first taking office, former President Barack Obama warned him North Korea posed the world's biggest threat and that war was avoided only by his outreach to Kim.
Still, North Korea's official stance remains hostile. Late last year, Kim vowed to launch the "toughest" anti-U.S. strategy, underscoring the country's long-standing resistance to outside pressure.
Although Trump on Monday once again cited what he considers a friendly relationship with Kim, analysts say the North's missile tests and nuclear developments remain serious concerns.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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