Kim Jong-un: North Korea to focus on increasing nuclear weapons

During his closing address at the ninth Workers' Party congress, Kim Jong-un declared that North Korea will prioritize projects to increase its nuclear weapons arsenal.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared that the nation would prioritize projects to increase its nuclear weapons arsenal, expanding operational capabilities and space. He outlined plans to develop more powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), along with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered attack systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The announcement came during his closing address at the ninth Workers' Party congress, a significant event held once every five years to outline major national policies. The congress, which opened on 19/2, also saw Kim Jong-un re-elected as General Secretary of the Workers' Party.

Kim emphasized the congress's importance, stating, "With firm confidence that a new historical turning point will unfold for our party, I declare the ninth congress closed," as reported by KCNA on 25/2. He noted that the congress had established crucial policy goals for North Korea for the next five years, with nuclear strengthening at its core.

Despite the focus on nuclear expansion, Kim Jong-un indicated a willingness for dialogue with Washington. He stated that the door for talks was open "if the United States withdraws its hostile policy by respecting North Korea's current status as a nuclear power."

In contrast, Kim adopted a harsh stance towards South Korea, describing it as "the most dangerous enemy" and ruling out negotiations. He asserted that North Korea would "remove South Korea from the category of brethren forever," dismissing recent reconciliation efforts by Seoul as "deceitful." Pyongyang, he warned, "could act at will" if Seoul engaged in "aggressive behavior."

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks in Pyongyang on 23/2. *Photo: KCNA*

To mark the conclusion of the congress, a "grand military parade" was reportedly held at Kim Il Sung Square on the evening of 25/2, according to KCNA, though no images of the event have been released.

Technically, North and South Korea remain in a state of war, as the 1950-1953 conflict concluded with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are consistently high, with North Korea escalating weapons tests and issuing deterrent messages, while South Korea increases joint military exercises with its United States ally.