North Korea plays US-China rivalry card to justify ‘irreversible’ nuclear status
North Korea is leveraging the escalating US-China rivalry to legitimize its nuclear program, moving beyond simple rejection of disarmament calls. Analysts suggest Pyongyang aims to secure support from Russia and China, anticipating renewed international pressure for denuclearization as the Iran conflict subsides. The regime frames its nuclear arsenal as a defensive measure against a hostile regional environment, particularly citing US actions towards South Korea as a threat to China. AI
