Pyongyang Doubles Down on Self-Defence Narrative Amid Maduro Operation and Missile Push

North Korea appears to strengthen its self-defence justification for nuclear and missile programs in response to the US operation against Nicolás Maduro, while launching supersonic missiles and reinforcing anti-South narratives ahead of the 9th Party Congress. Seoul and Beijing have pursued dialogue, but Pyongyang remains wary of denuclearization talks, signaling intensified domestic security measures and closer alignment with Russia and China as cross-border tensions rise.