North Korea pledges to boost nuclear arsenal amid US tensions
Kim Jong Un vows limitless military expansion, criticises US alliances
North Korea’s leader has pledged to significantly enhance his nation’s nuclear capabilities and ready his military for combat, accusing the US and its allies of forming a “nuclear-based military bloc” in the region. Marking the 76th founding anniversary of North Korea, Kim Jong Un declared the readiness of his nuclear forces for combat and hinted at limitless military expansion, as reported by the official Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday.
Kim asserted that North Korea is executing its policy to build nuclear forces by significantly increasing the number of nuclear weapons, calling it a “duty and right to existence.”
The announcement comes as Pyongyang reacts to South Korea’s efforts to strengthen its defence ties with the US and Japan. This follows a trilateral military training pact signed in July and a major summit hosted by President Joe Biden at Camp David in August 2023.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the country will "exponentially" increase its nuclear arsenal to be combat-ready against the United States and its allies, state media KCNA reported.https://t.co/yrVEMFvV80
— DW News (@dwnews) September 10, 2024
Last month, North Korea announced the deployment of 250 new mobile missile launchers to frontline units. These launchers are capable of delivering nuclear strikes on South Korea and US forces stationed there, marking one of the most significant displays of its missile capabilities under Kim. This missile initiative was further demonstrated with the unveiling of new suicide attack drones.
There are indications that North Korea might conduct a nuclear test near the time of the November US presidential election to increase its visibility, according to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s national security adviser, Shin Wonsik, who mentioned this in July while serving as defence minister.
In recent remarks, Kim claimed North Korea had achieved “wonderful military strength” with significant accomplishments in recent months, without providing further details. On Sunday, North Korea revealed a new 12-axled missile launcher, sparking speculation about a new intercontinental ballistic missile.
North Korea has criticized joint military exercises between the US and South Korea and has sent thousands of trash-filled balloons across the border in recent months. Kim stated that the DPRK would continue to bolster its nuclear force to counter any threats from nuclear-armed rivals.
Regarding the economy, Kim mentioned favourable crop harvests this year despite severe flooding in the northern region. The city of Sinuiju, connected to China by bridge, and the nearby county of Uiju were affected by torrential rains and floods in late July. The heavy rains damaged approximately 4,100 homes, disrupted roads and rail links, and destroyed about 3,000 hectares (7,410 acres) of farmland, according to North Korean state media.
The exact number of casualties remains unclear, but South Korean media outlets have suggested that at least hundreds may have perished, citing unnamed government sources. North Korean media has not reported any deaths.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AOL reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced a policy to exponentially increase the number of nuclear weapons, emphasizing the importance of a strong military presence to ensure state security and counter threats from the U.S. and its allies.(read more)
- CNN reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced the country will significantly increase its nuclear arsenal “exponentially” to safeguard its security from the United States and its allies.(read more)
- Time suggests that Kim Jong Un’s vow for an “exponential increase” in North Korea’s nuclear weapons may be overblown, given the country’s limited domestic capacity to rapidly expand production of fissile material.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Kim Jong Un vow regarding North Korea’s nuclear weapons?
He vowed to bolster North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities exponentially and prepare troops for combat.
Why is North Korea expanding its military capabilities?
North Korea aims to counter South Korea’s defense partnership with the US and Japan.
What notable military development did North Korea unveil recently?
North Korea unveiled a new 12-axled missile launcher, speculated to carry a new intercontinental ballistic missile.
How has North Korea responded to US-South Korea joint military drills?
North Korea has lashed out and sent thousands of trash-laden balloons across the border.
What is the current state of North Korea’s economy and agriculture?
Kim said crop harvests have been good despite severe flood damage in the northern region.
