North Korea Rejects US Talks Until ‘Hostile Policy’ Removed

North Korea said on Thursday, March 18, that it would not grant United States' offer for talks unless the country withdraws its "hostile policy," as Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, said that the pressure and diplomatic options were served to deal with Pyongyang.

The first vice foreign minister of North Korea, Choe Son Hui's said in a statement that no contact or dialogue should be done between Washington and Pyongyang "unless the US rolls back its hostile policy" against DPRK, North Korea's official name. The minister also added that they would disregard such attempts from the US in the future also.

The statement came few hours prior to the meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and South Korea's foreign and defense chiefs in Seoul.

The visit is part of the second leg of their tour to Northeast Asia, which aims to strengthen a united front against North Korea and the increasing assertiveness of China.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in a joint briefing with the South Korean officials on Thursday that US President Joe Biden's administration would complete its review of the policy from North Korea in the following weeks and will discuss it with its allies, in response to North Korea's statement.

The minister and secretaries reaffirmed their shared commitment to address and resolve issues concerning the North's nuclear and ballistic missile, the ministers said.

On Wednesday, Secretary Blinken accused Pyongyang of "systemic and widespread abuse" against the country's own citizens and reiterated the stance of the United States on denuclearizing North Korea.

Washington had been attempting to reach out to Pyongyang using "several channels" since mid-February, deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter of the State Department said earlier this week.

On Thursday, NK foreign minister Chloe said that Pyongyang and Washington should first meet as equals before talks would take place.