North Korea criticized the U.S. and its Asian neighbors on Tuesday for pursuing the “absurd” goal of denuclearizing the country and vowed to expand its nuclear forces under Kim Jong Un’s leadership.

The statement followed a meeting between U.S., South Korean, and Japanese diplomats in Germany, where they reaffirmed their commitment to counter North Korea’s nuclear ambitions through stronger military cooperation and sanctions.

North Korea warned of “overwhelming counteraction” if its security is threatened, and emphasized its intent to bolster its nuclear force in defiance of the U.S. and its allies, the Associated Press has reported.

Written by B.C. Begley