The DPRK has publicly framed itself as a nuclear state within its legislative framework, a stance reported by Yonhap News Agency with citations to North Korean state media. The coverage notes that a decree titled “Nuclear Weapons Policy” was adopted by the Supreme People’s Assembly at its 14th meeting, signaling a formal constitutional recognition of nuclear capabilities at the highest level of government.
The decree comprises 11 paragraphs that outline the aims of nuclear weapons, the makeup of nuclear forces, the chain of command and control, the guiding principles for using such weapons, mobilization, and other related issues. According to the report, the third paragraph asserts that the DPRK leader, Kim Jong-un, holds sole authority to make any decision concerning nuclear weapons. The document further guarantees Pyongyang the prerogative to undertake a preemptive strike should it perceive an imminent threat from an adversary.
Analysts note that the language emphasizes centralized leadership over the nuclear arsenal and a preemptive capability as part of North Korea’s security posture. The decree appears to formalize a long-standing position that places ultimate decision-making power in the hands of Kim Jong-un, reinforcing a policy framework built around deterrence and strategic sovereignty.
Earlier statements attributed to Kim Jong-un have asserted that North Korea will not relinquish its nuclear weapons. The emphasis on maintaining a robust deterrent highlights the regime’s prioritization of security guarantees tied to its strategic objectives along with the political symbolism of a policy that legitimizes its nuclear program in domestic law.
Recent international discussions also reference North Korea’s stance toward the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, noting that the country’s status and actions continue to be a focal point in arms control discourse. The interplay between sovereignty, security assurances, and treaty commitments remains a critical dynamic in how the DPRK presents its policy and how external actors respond to it, both in diplomacy and in regional security calculations.
The reported decree, its procedural adoption, and the explicit statements about sole decision authority contribute to a broader narrative about how Pyongyang seeks to frame its nuclear program within a formal legal and political context. Observers stress that these developments may influence future negotiations, regional stability considerations, and the calculus of other states seeking to engage with North Korea on security and nonproliferation issues. (Yonhap News Agency)