Pyongyang Sees Double-Dealing in Seoul’s Strategy

North Korea appears to see double-dealing in South Korea’s latest strategy. On Tuesday, Pyongyang condemned a new submarine deal between Seoul and Washington, warning of a “nuclear domino” effect. The commentary came just a day after Seoul proposed military talks, suggesting the North views the two moves as contradictory.
The deal was announced last week by President Lee Jae Myung. It allows South Korea to expand its authority over uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing. North Korea described this as a “dangerous attempt at confrontation,” predicting it would spark a “hot arms race.”
The proposal for military talks was intended to show good faith. President Lee has sought to engage the North without preconditions. However, the North seems to believe that the submarine deal reveals Seoul’s true intentions.
The “nuclear domino” warning is an accusation of hypocrisy. North Korea is arguing that you cannot offer peace while preparing for nuclear war. This narrative undermines trust between the two sides.
North Korea has yet to respond to the offer for military talks. The focus on the submarine deal suggests that the accusation of double-dealing is sticking. The region faces a crisis of confidence.