# N. Korea sister warns of nuclear escalation

> North Korea’s sister vows stronger nuclear threats after US military drills
- Title: N. Korea sister warns of nuclear escalation · Malay Mail
- Summary: North Korea’s sister vows stronger nuclear threats after US military drills Kim Yo Jong threatens intensified nuclear deterrence following US-led joint…
- Keywords: kim yo jong, north korea, us military drills, nuclear deterrence, dprk, kim jong un, united states, military exercises, news, world, Korea, sister
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/09/18/n-korea-leaders-sister-blasts-usled-drills-threatens-more-offensive-nucleardeterrence-steps/235598
- Published: 2026-09-18T09:58:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kim yo jong, north korea, us military drills, nuclear deterrence, dprk, kim jong un, united states, military exercises, news, world
## Kim Yo Jong's warning
North Korea’s sister accused US of escalating tensions through military drills

> The present situation, in which new records are set in terms of practical action hostile toward the DPRK, stresses the need to break records in our responsive action
## Nuclear stance
North Korea has legally enshrined its nuclear weapons state status

> The DPRK’s position as a nuclear weapons state is absolute which can not reverse with anything
## Escalation threat
Kim vowed intensified nuclear deterrence if US violates sovereignty

> If it is judged that the supreme interests of our nation and its military sovereignty have been seriously violated
## Denuclearization rejection
Kim dismissed efforts to denuclearize North Korea as 'familiar silly talk'

> If they believe that it is really possible, they will only hear the word of idiots
## US nuclear estimate
US claims 57 weapons, South Korea estimates 80-120

> Trump recently said Pyongyang possesses 57 very powerful nuclear weapons
## Recent context
North Korea’s nuclear program expanded after failed Trump-Kim summit

> The North’s nuclear arsenal has expanded since a second summit between Kim and Trump collapsed in 2019
## Key takeaway

Kim Yo Jong threatens intensified nuclear deterrence following US-led joint exercises