"The imperialists' hostility, as seen in their bid to force (socialism) to surrender by means of military threats and savage sanctions and blockade, is beyond imagination. Possession of even a speck of illusion for imperialism will endanger socialism."

Watchers say that the "imperialism" mentioned by the North Korean newspaper refers to the United States and the West and the editorial seems to reflect Pyongyang's concern that misconceptions about the US could spread among North Koreans as it holds talks on denuclearization and improving its relationship with Washington.

The newspaper then noted that non-socialist factors tend to rear their head particularly in times of difficulty in economic development caused by sanctions.

"Capitalism and a bourgeois lifestyle are like a cancer. Overlooking them is a first step towards giving up socialism," the paper argued.

In a separate editorial, the same newspaper contended that socialism is far superior to capitalism, saying inequality deepens in a capitalist society regardless of the accumulation of wealth. (Yonhap)