North Korea has pledged its "toughest" policies against the U.S. following a Dec. 23-27 meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea, led by Kim Jong Un.
According to state media outlet KCNA, party leaders condemned the U.S., Japan, and South Korea’s alliance as a “nuclear military bloc,” accusing it of escalating regional tensions.
In a statement, the party declared its intent to respond decisively, signaling a potential escalation in its defense posture.
The meeting comes as North Korea faces mounting tension with Western governments after sending troops to assist in Russia's invasion of Ukraine this fall.
Kim's regime also condemned South Korea as an "anti-communist outpost" following this week's meetings, a reference to President Yoon Suk-Yeoul's attempt to impose martial law earlier this month.
North Korea had remained silent for roughly a week after Yoon's attempt, which was foiled by the nation's legislature. Kim Jong Un's regime finally commented on the issue through its state-run news outlet on Dec. 11.