An undated picture released by the North Korea government (Photo by AFP)
US President-elect Donald Trump says North Korea will not be able to build a nuclear missile that can reach the United States.
"North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the US," Trump tweeted on Monday evening. "It won't happen!"
The business mogul’s comments came a day after North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un announced that Pyongyang is close to finalizing the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
Kim called on Washington to make a "resolute decision to withdraw its anachronistic hostile North Korea policy."
He said that Pyongyang had "soared as a nuclear power," and that it is a "military power of the east that cannot be touched by even the strongest enemy."
The United States has never accepted the country as a nuclear state andTrump has not clearly stated his policy on the country yet.
This is not the first time Trump made such a promise. During his campaign, he took to Twitter to criticize US foreign policy and issue statements mostly about the most serious national security issues.
This January 1, 2017 photo shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un delivering the new year message in Pyongyang. (Photo by AFP)
Recently, he tweeted that the US should "greatly strengthen and expand" its nuclear capabilities.
Trump has also accused China of military expansionism and currency manipulation through his tweeted messages.
However, analysts believe that he will need Beijing to be able to deal with North Korea's mounting confrontation.
On Monday, he also said that "China has been taking out massive amounts of money & wealth from the US in totally one-sided trade, but won't help with North Korea.”
There is still the question of how close Pyongyang is to realizing its full nuclear ambitions, as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. In 2016, the Asian recluse country carried out two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches.
North Korea has faced international pressure to quit its arms development and nuclear program but has nevertheless reported steady growth in those areas in the past years.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech in Pyongyang. Photo / AP
US President-elect Donald Trump insisted that North Korea won't develop a nuclear weapon capable of reaching America.
Trump addressed the issue today on Twitter.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in his annual New Year's address that preparations for launching an ICBM have "reached the final stage".
He did not explicitly say a test was imminent.
Trump tweeted: "North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the US It won't happen!"
It was unclear if Trump meant he would stop North Korea or he was simply doubting the country's capabilities. His aides did not immediately respond to questions seeking clarification.
Trump then berated North Korea's most important ally, tweeting: "China has been taking out massive amounts of money & wealth from the U.S.
Meanwhile, Trump is showing little sign of forgiving his critics as he prepares to move into the Oval Office.in totally one-sided trade, but won't help with North Korea. Nice!"
He tweeted that, "Various media outlets and pundits say that I thought I was going to lose the election. Wrong..."
He continued: "I thought and felt I would win big, easily over the fabled 270" electoral votes.
Trump is set to be sworn into office in just 18 days.
Trump also complained about a cover photo used in a new book released by CNN. He tweeted, "Hope it does well but used worst cover photo of me!"
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