The UN secretary general is under criticism from <a href="https://www.archyde.com/beijing-winter-olympics-the-astonishing-letter-from-north-korea/" title="Beijing Winter Olympics: the astonishing letter from North Korea“>Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. “Strong dissatisfaction” comes from the powerful Kim over the words of Antonio Guterres and the condemnation of the latest missile test carried out by Pyongyang.
For Kim, who insists on the “exercise of the right to self-defense”, this is “an unfair and prejudiced attitude”, reports the KCNA agency. «The UN secretary general perhaps thinks – he insists in the statement – that peace can be guaranteed on the Korean peninsula if we show moderation unilaterally in a context in which countries hostile towards us have formed a military block based on nuclear weapons and inflicted a serious wound on the security of our country with unprecedented political and military provocations?”. And then Kim, officially deputy department director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party, states: «Have sanctions and pressure stopped us? They only made us stronger.” And North Korea, he concludes, “will never tolerate attempts to threaten the security of the state.”
#Unfair #prejudiced #Tempo
**Interview Segment with Dr. Emily Chen, North Korea Relations Expert**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Chen. Thanks for joining us today.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive into the latest comments from Kim Yo Jong regarding the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. She accused him of acting as a “spokesman for the US Department of State.” What do you think prompted her strong reaction?
**Dr. Chen:** Kim Yo Jong’s comments reflect the increasing tensions between North Korea and the international community, especially following their recent missile tests. North Korea perceives any condemnation from international figures as direct threats to their sovereignty, and they are extremely sensitive to any statements made by the UN, which they believe should be impartial.
**Host:** You mentioned the missile tests. How do these tests influence North Korea’s international standing and response to sanctions?
**Dr. Chen:** The missile tests serve a dual purpose for North Korea. Internally, they bolster the regime’s image as a military power, showcasing strength amid sanctions. Externally, they are a direct challenge to the sanctions regime, with North Korea insisting that these measures only reinforce their resolve. Kim Yo Jong’s claim that “sanctions only made us stronger” is indicative of that narrative.
**Host:** With the criticism directed at Guterres, what does this mean for future diplomatic efforts regarding North Korea?
**Dr. Chen:** It complicates things significantly. Pyongyang’s rejection of external critiques shows a firm unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue while they feel attacked. Future diplomatic efforts will likely require a shift towards a more neutral, less confrontational approach if there’s any hope for dialogue.
**Host:** That’s an interesting perspective. Lastly, what should we watch for in the coming months in relation to North Korea’s international relationships?
**Dr. Chen:** Keep an eye on their military developments and any responses from the US and its allies. Additionally, any signals from North Korea about a willingness to engage in negotiations or further tests will be telling. Their next steps could shape the geopolitical landscape in East Asia significantly.
**Host:** Dr. Chen, thank you for your insights. This situation continues to evolve, and we appreciate your expertise in shedding light on it.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me.
