---
title: "North Korea Vows to Bolster Nuclear Force Amid US Hostility Claims"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/north-korea-vows-to-bolster-nuclear-force-amid-us-hostility-claims"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/north-korea-vows-to-bolster-nuclear-force-amid-us-hostility-claims"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/north-korea-vows-to-bolster-nuclear-force-amid-us-hostility-claims.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/north-korea-vows-to-bolster-nuclear-force-amid-us-hostility-claims"
category: "Conflict & Security"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-08-31T15:25:14.781Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-31T13:11:24.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-31T15:25:14.781Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 45
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-31T15:15:15.116616+00:00"
---

# North Korea Vows to Bolster Nuclear Force Amid US Hostility Claims

*Pyongyang denounces US policy and upcoming military drills, asserting nuclear weapons as a sovereign guarantee.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claims attributed to a named body, with two independent outlets and a named source.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Reporting includes quotes from affected parties, names specific dates and places, and states what happens next.
- Hype 45 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise more than the body delivers, with some loaded adjectives and mild sensationalism.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- North Korea's Foreign Ministry declared the United States' hostile policy towards the DPRK unchanged.
- The country vowed to continue strengthening its nuclear force, describing its weapons as an 'absolute guarantee for defending its sovereignty'.
- North Korea denounced the upcoming Freedom Edge military exercise between the US, South Korea, and Japan as a threat.
- These statements follow US President Donald Trump's earlier order to scale back annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises.

North Korea has stated that the United States' hostile policy towards the country remains unchanged. A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, in a statement carried by state media KCNA, vowed that North Korea would continue to strengthen its nuclear force. The country's nuclear weapons were described as an 'absolute guarantee for defending its sovereignty'.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also denounced the upcoming Freedom Edge military exercise, scheduled between the US, South Korea, and Japan from September 7 to 11. North Korea has repeatedly called this trilateral drill a threat to regional security. The statement noted that expecting any easing of regional tensions was 'pointless'.

## Disagreement on Trump's actions

While North Korea's Foreign Ministry stated the Trump administration has 'fully reconfirmed its invariable hostile policy', reports differ on the context of US actions. PerthNow and The Korea Times note that this statement came after US President Donald Trump ordered a major scaling back of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, citing his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and the drills' cost. However, The Express Tribune digest states North Korea rejected US calls for denuclearisation, accusing Washington of maintaining a hostile policy through human rights criticism, military exercises and demands for complete denuclearisation, without mentioning the scaling back of drills.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated digests mention the specific details of US President Donald Trump ordering a scaling back of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which was reported by PerthNow and The Korea Times.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 24 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 17% (4)
- Centre: 29% (7)
- Right: 54% (13)

35 of 59 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-31T15:15:15.116616+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-31T15:30:15.455Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated reports focused on North Korea's denunciation of military exercises and its vows regarding its nuclear capabilities. TVA Nouvelles' headline stated the planned exercises are a 'threat' for Pyongyang. The Korea Times reported North Korea vowed a 'toughest' response to the US hostile policy and mentioned the upcoming Freedom Edge exercise as part of 'anti-DPRK military provocations'. Fakti.bg reported North Korea rejected nuclear disarmament and accused the US of hostile policy, noting its vow to continue strengthening its nuclear arsenal.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports highlighted North Korea's stance on its nuclear force and its reaction to military exercises. PerthNow's headline stated North Korea vows to strengthen its nuclear force, and its report detailed the Foreign Ministry spokesperson's accusation of a 'confrontational stance' by Washington. Express Tribune's digest also noted the Foreign Ministry spokesperson's statement that nukes are an 'absolute guarantee for defending' the country's sovereignty. Sud Ouest and La Libre both reported on North Korea denouncing the upcoming US, Japan, and South Korea military exercises as a 'threat'.

### Right

- Right-rated reports focused on North Korea's rejection of denuclearisation and its commitment to strengthening its nuclear force, often framing it as a response to perceived US hostility. The Express Tribune, Times of India, Asharq AL-awsat, The West Australian, and Free Malaysia Today News all used headlines stating North Korea says hostile US policy unchanged and vows to strengthen nuclear force. Kurier's headline mentioned North Korea rejecting Trump's advances. Mehr News Agency and news-pravda.com highlighted that North Korea's nuclear weapons serve as an 'absolute guarantee' of its sovereignty. Realitatea.net's digest noted North Korea rejects dialogue with Donald Trump.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- mixed: 7
- high: 13
- unknown: 36
- veryHigh: 2

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [The Zambian Observer](https://zambianobserver.com/north-korea-says-us-hostile-policy-unchanged-and-nukes-are-here-to-stay) — NORTH KOREA SAYS US HOSTILE POLICY UNCHANGED AND NUKES ARE HERE TO STAY
- [The Express Tribune](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626721/north-korea-says-hostile-us-policy-unchanged-vows-to-strengthen-nuclear-force) — North Korea says hostile US policy unchanged, vows to strengthen nuclear force
- [glasistre.hr](https://glasistre.hr/svijet/2026/08/31/sjeverna-koreja-proziva-sad-za-neprijateljsku-politiku-1083647) — North Korea Accuses US of Hostile Policies
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/haberler/trumpin-hamlesi-yetmedi-kuzey-koreden-dunyayi-20193207-haberi) — Trump's Move Wasn't Enough! North Korea's Nuclear Threat Alarms the World.
- [focoinformativo.site](https://focoinformativo.site/pionyang-arremete-contra-politica-hostil-de-eeuu-pese-a-gestos-de-trump) — Pionyang Attacks U.S. « Hostile Politics » Despite Trump's Gestures - Information Focus
- [REALITATEA.NET](https://realitatea.net/stiri/actualitate/coreea-de-nord-respinge-dialogul-cu-donald-trump-analiza-de-ana-maria-pacuraru-qf5ojj) — North Korea Rejects Dialogue with Donald Trump. Ana Maria Păcuraru's Analysis
- [Polsat News](https://polsatnews.pl/wiadomosc/2026-08-31/korea-polnocna-odpowiada-usa-nie-ma-najmniejszej-zmiany) — North Korea Responds to the US: "There Is No Change at All"
- [La Tercera](https://latercera.com/mundo/noticia/corea-del-norte-descarta-la-desnuclearizacion-ante-la-postura-hostil-de-estados-unidos-cada-dia-es-mas-peligroso) — North Korea Rejects Denuclearization in the Face of America’s “Hostile” Stance: “Every Day Is More Dangerous”
- [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/north-korea-says-hostile-us-policy-unchanged-vows-to-strengthen-nuclear-force/articleshow/133648064.cms) — North Korea says hostile US policy unchanged, vows to strengthen nuclear force
- [Portfolio](https://portfolio.hu/global/20260831/hiaba-donald-trump-bekulekeny-lepese-kemenyen-visszavagott-a-bezarkozott-azsiai-diktatura-859352) — Despite Donald Trump's Conciliatory Move, the Closed-Off Asian Dictatorship Hit Back Hard
- [Asharq AL-awsat](https://english.aawsat.com/world/5312931-north-korea-says-hostile-us-policy-unchanged-vows-strengthen-nuclear-force) — North Korea Says Hostile US Policy Unchanged, Vows to Strengthen Nuclear Force
- [Kurier](https://kurier.at/politik/ausland/nordkorea-harte-linie-usa-atomwaffen-trump-kim-jong-un/403187460) — Further Tough Course Against the US: North Korea Rejects Trump's Advances
- [TUOI TRE ONLINE](https://tuoitre.vn/trieu-tien-to-chinh-quyen-ong-trump-duy-tri-thu-dich-bat-bien-100260831152122202.htm) — North Korea Accuses the Trump Administration of Maintaining 'Unwavering Hostility'.
- [Privátbankár.hu](https://privatbankar.hu/cikkek/nemzetkozi/eszak-korea-tovabb-erositi-nuklearis-arzenaljat.html) — North Korea Continues to Strengthen Its Nuclear Arsenal
- [ORF.at News](https://orf.at/stories/3440734) — North Korea Reaffirms Hard Line Towards USA
- [PerthNow](https://perthnow.com.au/news/politics/north-korea-vows-to-strengthen-nuclear-force-c-22802941) — North Korea vows to strengthen nuclear force
- [The West Australian](https://thewest.com.au/politics/security/north-korea-vows-to-strengthen-nuclear-force-c-22802938) — North Korea vows to strengthen nuclear force
- [RTL Info](https://rtl.be/actu/monde/international/la-coree-du-nord-sinquiete-des-exercices-americains-et-allies-pourquoi-ces/2026-08-31/article/798820) — North Korea Is Worried About American and Allied Exercises: Why Are These Maneuvers so Hot?
- [Aydınlık](https://aydinlik.com.tr/haber/kdhcden-washingtona-nukleer-mesaji-dusmanca-politika-degismedi-nukleer-guc-artacak-588348) — North Korea Sends a Nuclear Message to Washington: 'Hostile Policies Remain Unchanged, Nuclear Power Will Increase'
- [Free Malaysia Today News](https://freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/08/31/north-korea-says-hostile-us-policy-unchanged-vows-to-strengthen-nuclear-force) — North Korea says hostile US policy unchanged, vows to strengthen nuclear force
- [TVA Nouvelles](https://tvanouvelles.ca/2026/08/31/les-exercices-militaires-prevus-par-les-etats-unis-et-leurs-allies-une-menace-pour-pyongyang) — The Military Exercises Planned by the United States and Its Allies, a "Threat" for Pyongyang
- [sofokleousin.gr](https://sofokleousin.gr/epikairotita/diethni/vkorea-i-exthriki-politiki-ton-ipa-den-exei-allaksei-kai-oti-ta-p) — North Korea: US Hostile Policy Has Not Changed - Nuclear Weapons Will Be Strengthened
- [Aktuality.sk](https://aktuality.sk/clanok/6sH3AhW/severna-korea-hrozi-usa-najtvrdsimi-protiopatreniami) — North Korea Threatens US with Harshest Countermeasures
- [fakti.bg](https://fakti.bg/world/1077834-severna-korea-otkazva-adreno-razorajavane-i-obvinava-sasht-vav-vrajdebna-politika) — North Korea Rejects Nuclear Disarmament, Accuses US of Hostile Policy
- [Noticias ao Minuto](https://noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/3043802/coreia-do-norte-voltou-a-condenar-exercicios-navais-conjuntos-na-coreia-do-sul) — North Korea Recondemned Naval Exercises in South Korea
- [rmf24.pl](https://rmf24.pl/fakty/swiat/news-korea-polnocna-odrzuca-zadania-waszyngtonu-ws-broni-nuklearn,nIdn,1015756) — North Korea Rejects Washington's Demands for Nuclear Weapons
- [Stirile Pro TV](https://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/international/exercitiile-militare-sua-japonia-coreea-de-sud-provoaca-furia-phenianului-coreea-de-nord-le-considera-o-amenintare.html) — The U.S.-Japan-South Korea Military Exercises Provoke the Rage of the Phenian. North Korea Considers Them a "Threat"
- [topky.sk](https://topky.sk/cl/11/9481867/KLDR-pritvrdila-voci-USA--Pchjongjang-hrozi-najtvrdsou-odpovedou) — North Korea Has Toughened up Against the US: Pyongyang Threatens the Harshest Response
- [insider.gr](https://insider.gr/eidiseis/422771/boreia-korea-i-ehthriki-politiki-ton-ipa-paramenei-ametabliti) — North Korea: "US Hostile Policy Remains Unchanged"
- [Axadle | Wararka Africa](https://axadletimes.com/somalia/north-korea-calls-nuclear-weapons-shield-sovereign.html5) — North Korea Calls Nuclear Weapons a Shield for Its Sovereignty – Axadle
- [Sud Ouest](https://sudouest.fr/international/asie/coree-du-nord/coree-du-nord-les-exercices-militaires-prevus-par-les-etats-unis-et-leurs-allies-representent-une-menace-selon-pyongyang-30428449.php) — North Korea: Military Exercises Planned by the United States and Its Allies Represent a "Threat," According to Pyongyang
- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/kosmos/2155119/apofasismeni-na-enischysei-ta-pyrinika-tis-opla-i-voreia-korea-aparallakti-i-echthriki-politiki-ton-ipa) — North Korea Determined to Strengthen Its Nuclear Weapons: "US Hostile Policy Unchanged"
- [sigmalive.com](https://sigmalive.com/news/international/1327375/klimakwnei-tin-entasi-i-b-korea-sto-stokhastro-stratiotika-ghimnasia-ton-hpa) — North Korea Escalates Tensions: US Military Exercises Targeted
- [Mediafax](https://mediafax.ro/externe/coreea-de-nord-anunta-ca-isi-va-consolida-arsenalul-nuclear-politica-sua-nu-s-a-schimbat-23798934) — North Korea Announces that It Will Strengthen Its Nuclear Arsenal: US Policy Has Not Changed
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/usa/2026/08/31/2553747.html) — North Korea’s Nukes Serve as ‘Absolute Guarantee’ of its Sovereignty
- [OnAlert](https://onalert.gr/eksoplismoi/voreia-korea-i-exthriki-politiki-ton-ipa-den-exei-allaksei-proanaggellei-enisxysi-tou-pyrinikou-oplostasiou-tis/816303) — North Korea: US Hostile Policy Has Not Changed – Announces Strengthening of Its Nuclear Arsenal
- [CNN Brasil](https://cnnbrasil.com.br/internacional/coreia-do-norte-rejeita-desnuclearizacao-e-promete-reforcar-arsenal) — North Korea Rejects Denuclearization and Promises to Strengthen Arsenals
- [La Libre](https://lalibre.be/international/2026/08/31/une-menace-la-coree-du-nord-reagit-aux-exercices-militaires-des-etats-unis-du-japon-et-de-seoul-53XYMF467JGDLFBW27CTSND4SY) — "A Threat": North Korea Reacts to Military Exercises in the United States, Japan and Seoul
- [Business Daily](https://businessdaily.gr/diethni/228814_i-boreia-korea-epimenei-stin-enishysi-ton-pyrinikon-logo-amerikanikis-politikis) — North Korea: US Policy Has Not Changed, We Continue Nuclear Weapons
- [CNN Greece](https://cnn.gr/kosmos/story/550043/voreia-korea-ta-pyrinika-einai-i-apolyti-eggyisi-tis-kyriarxias-mas-proeidopoiisi-pros-tis-ipa) — North Korea: "Nuclear Weapons Are the Absolute Guarantee of Our Sovereignty" - Warning to the US
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/us-allies-maritime-drills-are-a-threat-to-north-korea-kcna) — US, allies’ maritime drills are a ‘threat’ to North Korea: KCNA
- [asiae.co.kr](https://asiae.co.kr/article/2026083115132723964) — North Korea: "No Change in U.S. Policy, Strongest Response" Despite Trump's Hang for Dialogue
- [Nettavisen](https://nettavisen.no/nyheter/nord-korea-advarer-usa-en-trussel/s/80-95-42731) — North Korea Warns the US: – A Threat
- [Mehr News Agency](https://mehrnews.com/news/6932721/%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%87-%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD-%D9%87%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%B6%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AD%D8%A7%DA%A9%D9%85%DB%8C%D8%AA-%DA%A9%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA) — North Korea: Nuclear Weapons Guarantee the Country's Sovereignty
- [Capital.gr](https://capital.gr/diethni/4013443/boreia-korea-i-exthriki-politiki-ton-ipa-den-exei-allaxei-ta-purinika-opla-tha-sunexisoun-na-enisxuontai) — North Korea: US Hostile Policy Has Not Changed - Nuclear Weapons Will Continue to Be Strengthened
- [vz.ru](https://vz.ru/news/2026/8/31/1447416.html) — The DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs Has Promised to Respond Harshly to U.S. Hostile Policy.
- [Unknown](https://hani.co.kr/arti/politics/politics_general/1275482.html) — North Korea Reacts to U.S. Reaffirmation of ‘Denuclearization’… “No Change in Policy Toward U.S., Ultra-Hardline Response”
- [The Korea Times](https://koreatimes.co.kr/foreignaffairs/northkorea/20260831/n-korea-denounces-us-hostile-policy-toward-it-vows-toughest-response) — N. Korea denounces US hostile policy toward it, vows 'toughest' response
- [Hospodárske Noviny](https://hnonline.sk/svet/96299626-severna-korea-opat-hrozi-usa-na-nepriatelsku-politiku-slubuje-tvrdu-odpoved) — North Korea Threatens US Again, Vows Tough Response to 'Hostile Policies'
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/9ede9d1836249c88) — North Korea says hostile US policy unchanged, nuclear arms to keep growing
- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/north-korea-says-hostile-us-policy-unchanged-nuclear-arms-keep-growing-2026-08-31) — North Korea says hostile US policy unchanged, vows to strengthen nuclear force
- [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/08/31/north-korea-says-hostile-us-policy-unchanged-nuclear-arms-to-keep-growing) — North Korea says hostile US policy unchanged, nuclear arms to keep growing
- [조선일보](https://chosun.com/politics/north_korea/2026/08/31/LFQZPAM6PNERHEY4RBAQ2CWVDQ) — North Korea: “Trump Administration’s Unchanging Hostile Policy... Strongest Response”
- [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260831109700504) — North Korea: "We Will Respond Strongest to U.S.'s Unchanging Hostile Policy to the End"
- [برس بي](https://arabic.pressbee.net/show10954535.html?title=%D9%83%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A3%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A7-%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1) — North Korea: Our Policy Towards America Has Not Changed.
- [UPI](https://upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/08/31/North-Korea-rejects-US-hostile-policy-denuclearization/3711788164299) — North Korea rejects U.S. ‘hostile’ policy, vows to bolster nukes
- [TFIGlobal](https://tfiglobalnews.com/2026/08/31/freedom-edge-2026-us-south-korea-and-japan-to-hold-north-korea-nuclear-missile-drill-from-7-september) — Freedom Edge 2026: US, South Korea and Japan to Hold North Korea nuclear Missile Drill from 7 September
- [Blue Water Healthy Living](https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/world-news/north-korea-says-hostile-us-policy-unchanged-nuclear-arms-to-keep-growing) — North Korea says hostile US policy unchanged, nuclear arms to keep growing
- [The Sunday Guardian Live](https://sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/north-korea-will-keep-nuclear-arsenal-272977) — North Korea will keep nuclear arsenal

## Questions

**What is North Korea's stance on US policy?**

North Korea's Foreign Ministry stated that the United States' hostile policy towards the DPRK remains unchanged. The ministry accused Washington of maintaining a confrontational stance through its commitment to denuclearisation, criticism of human rights, and planned military exercises.

**What is North Korea's position on its nuclear weapons?**

North Korea has vowed to continue strengthening its nuclear force, describing its nuclear weapons as an 'absolute guarantee for defending its sovereignty'. The country rejected repeated US calls for denuclearisation, stating its nuclear status would not be weakened.

**How does North Korea view the upcoming military exercises?**

North Korea has denounced the upcoming Freedom Edge military exercise between the US, South Korea, and Japan as a threat to regional security. Pyongyang has repeatedly called such drills war rehearsals and part of 'anti-DPRK military provocations'.

**Did US President Trump take any action regarding military drills?**

Yes, US President Donald Trump had previously ordered a major scaling back of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises between the United States and South Korea. He cited his relationship with Kim Jong-un and the drills' cost as reasons for this decision.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/conflict/north-korea-vows-to-bolster-nuclear-force-amid-us-hostility-claims. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "North Korea Vows to Bolster Nuclear Force Amid US Hostility Claims", https://mediabias.news/conflict/north-korea-vows-to-bolster-nuclear-force-amid-us-hostility-claims