A North Korean representative to the U.N. has questioned why critics of Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile development programs “remain silent” about the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, while emphasizing its need to develop weapon capabilities to deter “hostile military threats” from the U.S.

The representative’s remarks came in reply to representatives from Denmark and the EU, who raised concerns about the DPRK’s activities during a general debate of the U.N.’s First Committee of Disarmament and International Security on Monday.