South Korea's acquisition of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hell-bent-on-hostile-acts-despite-wanting-to-talk-north-korea-232880">American F-35 stealth fighter jets</a> will force North Korea to develop and test "special armaments" to destroy the new weapons, North Korea's state media said on Thursday, citing a government researcher.

South Korean authorities are "impudent and pitiful" for "talking loudly about reconciliation and cooperation between the north and the south" while buying more weapons from the United States, an unnamed policy research director at the Institute for American Studies of North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA.

"There is no room for doubt that the delivery of 'F-35A', which is also called an 'invisible lethal weapon', is aimed at securing military supremacy over the neighbouring countries in the region and especially opening a 'gate' to invading the north in time of emergency on the Korean peninsula," the statement said.

"We, on our part, have no other choice but to develop and test the special armaments to completely destroy the lethal weapons reinforced in south Korea."

South Korea took delivery of its first two F-35 jets in March, with more slated to arrive this year. It has agreed to buy a total of 40 of the advanced aircraft, the last to be delivered by 2021.

North Korea's latest criticism of South Korea's military acquisition as an "extremely dangerous action which will trigger our reaction" comes as inter-Korean relations have stalled.

South Korean leader Moon Jae-in was left on the sidelines of a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump at the inter-Korean border in June, and there have been few signs that relations have improved.

"The south Korean authorities had better come to their senses before it is too late, shattering the preposterous illusions that an opportunity would come for improved inter-Korean relations if they follow in the footsteps of the United States," the statement said.

South Korea's acquisition of American F-35 stealth fighter jets will force North Korea to develop and test "special armaments" to destroy the new weapons, North Korea's state media said on Thursday, citing a government researcher.

South Korea's acquisition of American F-35 stealth fighter jets will force North Korea to develop and test "special armaments" to destroy the new weapons, North Korea's state media said on Thursday, citing a government researcher. South Korean authorities are "impudent and pitiful" for "talking loudly about reconciliation and cooperation between the north and the south" while buying more weapons from the United States, an unnamed policy research director at the Institute for American Studies of North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA. "There is no room for doubt that the delivery of 'F-35A', which is also called an 'invisible lethal weapon', is aimed at securing military supremacy over the neighbouring countries in the region and especially opening a 'gate' to invading the north in time of emergency on the Korean peninsula," the statement said. "We, on our part, have no other choice but to develop and test the special armaments to completely destroy the lethal weapons reinforced in south Korea." South Korea took delivery of its first two F-35 jets in March, with more slated to arrive this year. It has agreed to buy a total of 40 of the advanced aircraft, the last to be delivered by 2021. North Korea's latest criticism of South Korea's military acquisition as an "extremely dangerous action which will trigger our reaction" comes as inter-Korean relations have stalled. South Korean leader Moon Jae-in was left on the sidelines of a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump at the inter-Korean border in June, and there have been few signs that relations have improved. "The south Korean authorities had better come to their senses before it is too late, shattering the preposterous illusions that an opportunity would come for improved inter-Korean relations if they follow in the footsteps of the United States," the statement said.

South Korea's acquisition of US F-35 fighter aimed at 'opening gate' to invade north: North Korea state media

North Korea's commitment to the "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-condemns-us-sanctions-warns-denuclearization-at-risk-184559">denuclearisation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-condemns-us-sanctions-warns-denuclearization-at-risk-184559"> of the Korean peninsula</a>" also includes "completely eliminating the US&nbsp;nuclear threat to Korea," North Korean state media said on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-north-korea-reportedly-tests-new-high-tech-weapon-us-says-confident-kim-will-fulfill-denuclearisation-promise-177629">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> issued a joint statement after their historic meeting in Singapore in June that reaffirmed the North’s commitment to "work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula" and gave US guarantees of security to North Korea.

Conflicting or vague views of what exactly "denuclearisation" means, however, have complicated negotiations that now appear stalled.

Thursday's commentary, released by North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency, is one of the clearest explanations since the June summit of how Pyongyang sees denuclearisation.

"When we refer to the Korean peninsula, the term encompasses the area of DPRK plus South Korean territory where US nuclear weapons and other forms of aggression forces are deployed," the editorial said, using the initials of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"When we refer to the 'denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula' as well, it should be correctly understood as removing all nuclear threat factors from not only the North and the South but from all neighbouring areas."

North Korea rejects American calls for it to unilaterally denuclearise, and Washington should abandon the "delusion" of forcing Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons "via pressure and oppression," the article said.

The United States has said that it will not lift sanctions on North Korea until more progress has been made toward the verifiable denuclearisation of North Korea.

Washington has also rejected any suggestion that it would reduce its military presence in the region as part of a deal with North Korea, but in a surprise move after the summit, Trump announced that the Pentagon would cancel most of its largest military exercises conducted with the South Koreans.

The exact definition of denuclearisation is likely to be raised again as Trump has said he is working to meet again with Kim sometime early next year.

"It is obvious that denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula is a joint business that cannot be achieved unless both Korea and the United States strive together," the KCNA commentary said.

"In this sense, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula should be defined as 'completely eliminating the US nuclear threat to Korea' before it can eliminate our nuclear deterrent."

The United States deployed nuclear weapons in South Korea from 1958 to 1991. Since they were withdrawn, the United States has extended its "nuclear umbrella" of support to Japan and South Korea using bombers and submarines based elsewhere.

At a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday, US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said he would not "split words" when asked about whether the promise of "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" means only North Korea or the broader region.

"We are focused on the denuclearisation of North Korea," Palladino said. "We remain confident and we look forward to the commitments that Chairman Kim and that President Trump have made."

North Korea's commitment to the "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" also includes "completely eliminating the US nuclear threat to Korea," North Korean state media said on Thursday.

North Korea's commitment to the "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" also includes "completely eliminating the US nuclear threat to Korea," North Korean state media said on Thursday. US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued a joint statement after their historic meeting in Singapore in June that reaffirmed the North’s commitment to "work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula" and gave US guarantees of security to North Korea. Conflicting or vague views of what exactly "denuclearisation" means, however, have complicated negotiations that now appear stalled. Thursday's commentary, released by North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency, is one of the clearest explanations since the June summit of how Pyongyang sees denuclearisation. "When we refer to the Korean peninsula, the term encompasses the area of DPRK plus South Korean territory where US nuclear weapons and other forms of aggression forces are deployed," the editorial said, using the initials of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "When we refer to the 'denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula' as well, it should be correctly understood as removing all nuclear threat factors from not only the North and the South but from all neighbouring areas." North Korea rejects American calls for it to unilaterally denuclearise, and Washington should abandon the "delusion" of forcing Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons "via pressure and oppression," the article said. The United States has said that it will not lift sanctions on North Korea until more progress has been made toward the verifiable denuclearisation of North Korea. Washington has also rejected any suggestion that it would reduce its military presence in the region as part of a deal with North Korea, but in a surprise move after the summit, Trump announced that the Pentagon would cancel most of its largest military exercises conducted with the South Koreans. The exact definition of denuclearisation is likely to be raised again as Trump has said he is working to meet again with Kim sometime early next year. "It is obvious that denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula is a joint business that cannot be achieved unless both Korea and the United States strive together," the KCNA commentary said. "In this sense, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula should be defined as 'completely eliminating the US nuclear threat to Korea' before it can eliminate our nuclear deterrent." The United States deployed nuclear weapons in South Korea from 1958 to 1991. Since they were withdrawn, the United States has extended its "nuclear umbrella" of support to Japan and South Korea using bombers and submarines based elsewhere. At a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday, US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said he would not "split words" when asked about whether the promise of "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" means only North Korea or the broader region. "We are focused on the denuclearisation of North Korea," Palladino said. "We remain confident and we look forward to the commitments that Chairman Kim and that President Trump have made."

Denuclearisation includes eliminating US nuclear threat in Korean Peninsula: North Korean state media

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is sincere and really means to abandon nuclear weapons, South Korean President Moon Jae-in told a French newspaper, adding that the international community needed to reward him for that.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expected-to-meet-soon-with-leaders-of-china-russia-seoul-170115">Also Read:&nbsp;Kim Jong </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expected-to-meet-soon-with-leaders-of-china-russia-seoul-170115">Un expected</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expected-to-meet-soon-with-leaders-of-china-russia-seoul-170115"> to meet 'soon' with Putin, Xi Jinping</a>

Kim and US President Trump pledged at a landmark summit in Singapore in June to work towards denuclearisation. But the agreement was short on specifics and talks have made little headway since, with the North refusing to declare its nuclear weapons and facilities or agree to a concrete timeline.

"This year I have discussed in depth with Kim for hours. These meetings have convinced me that he has taken the strategic decision to abandon his nuclear weapon," Moon told Le Figaro in an interview before a state visit to Paris.

Moon is to meet President Emmanuel Macron on Monday.

While Pyongyang has stopped nuclear and missile tests this year, it failed to keep its promise to allow international inspections of its dismantling of the Punggye-ri site in May, stirring criticism that the move could be reversed.

But Moon said Kim was "sincere, calm and polite" and "felt frustrated by the international community's continuing mistrust".

"It is now time to respond to these efforts that were hard to agree to," Moon said. "We need to assure Kim Jong Un that he took the right decision in deciding to denuclearise and we need to accompany him in his wish for a durable and solid peace."

Washington wants concrete action, such as a full disclosure of North Korea's nuclear and missile facilities, before meeting Pyongyang's demands, including an official end to the Korean war and the easing of international sanctions.

Moon said he hoped another Trump-Kim summit would allow the two leaders to go further than the statements they made at their first meeting in Singapore.

"Declaring an end to the Korea war would be a start to establishing a regime of peace," he said, also calling for the United States to take "reliable corresponding measures to guarantee the security of the regime".

"We could also in the future discuss the easing of sanctions, in accordance with progress on denuclearisation," he added.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is sincere and really means to abandon nuclear weapons, South Korean President Moon Jae-in told a French newspaper, adding that the international community needed to reward him for that.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is sincere and really means to abandon nuclear weapons, South Korean President Moon Jae-in told a French newspaper, adding that the international community needed to reward him for that. Also Read: Kim Jong Un expected to meet 'soon' with Putin, Xi Jinping Kim and US President Trump pledged at a landmark summit in Singapore in June to work towards denuclearisation. But the agreement was short on specifics and talks have made little headway since, with the North refusing to declare its nuclear weapons and facilities or agree to a concrete timeline. "This year I have discussed in depth with Kim for hours. These meetings have convinced me that he has taken the strategic decision to abandon his nuclear weapon," Moon told Le Figaro in an interview before a state visit to Paris. Moon is to meet President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. While Pyongyang has stopped nuclear and missile tests this year, it failed to keep its promise to allow international inspections of its dismantling of the Punggye-ri site in May, stirring criticism that the move could be reversed. But Moon said Kim was "sincere, calm and polite" and "felt frustrated by the international community's continuing mistrust". "It is now time to respond to these efforts that were hard to agree to," Moon said. "We need to assure Kim Jong Un that he took the right decision in deciding to denuclearise and we need to accompany him in his wish for a durable and solid peace." Washington wants concrete action, such as a full disclosure of North Korea's nuclear and missile facilities, before meeting Pyongyang's demands, including an official end to the Korean war and the easing of international sanctions. Moon said he hoped another Trump-Kim summit would allow the two leaders to go further than the statements they made at their first meeting in Singapore. "Declaring an end to the Korea war would be a start to establishing a regime of peace," he said, also calling for the United States to take "reliable corresponding measures to guarantee the security of the regime". "We could also in the future discuss the easing of sanctions, in accordance with progress on denuclearisation," he added.

Need to assure Kim he took right decision to denuclearise: South Korean President Moon