North Korea has vowed to continue to pursue influence based on nuclear deterrence for self-defense. 
 
The Rodong Sinmun, the gazette of the North's ruling Workers' Party, carried an editorial Tuesday titled "We will by all means achieve final victory." In the editorial, Pyongyang said that it will continue to adhere to its military-first politics and the concurrent advancement of its economy and nuclear power regardless of how global affairs and regional dynamics may change.
 
The newspaper said that forceful power reigns supreme on the global stage while justice and truth are trampled upon. It argued these circumstances justify North Korea having built its military power for self-defense centered on nuclear deterrence.
 
North Korea's latest statement emphasizing nuclear deterrence is viewed as a move to pressure the U.S. to accept the North's proposal for the U.S. to halt its joint drills with South Korea while the North suspends its nuclear tests.