North Korea's Defiant Stance on Flood Aid

North Korea, led by Kim Jong Un, has rejected outside help following devastating floods near the Chinese border. Kim has ordered the relocation of 15,400 displaced residents to Pyongyang for better care. He emphasized self-reliance and criticized South Korea for what he termed a 'smear campaign.'

North Korea, led by Kim Jong Un, has refused to seek international assistance to recover from recent floods that severely affected areas near its border with China. During a two-day visit to the flood-ravaged northwestern town of Uiju, Kim ordered officials to relocate thousands of displaced residents to the capital, Pyongyang, to provide better care.

Kim outlined plans to rebuild homes and stabilize the flood-affected areas within two to three months. The government's focus will be on accommodating approximately 15,400 residents, including mothers, children, older adults, and disabled soldiers, through state facilities in Pyongyang. This move highlights North Korea's continued emphasis on self-reliance, despite offers of aid from Russia, China, and international organizations.

KCNA praised Kim's leadership and criticized South Korea for allegedly exaggerating flood damages and casualties, labeling it as a 'smear campaign' and 'grave provocation.' South Korea's offer of aid remains unlikely to be accepted, mirroring past refusals during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2022, amidst increasing tensions over military activities in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)