North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the country's nuclear capabilities during a speech marking the 76th anniversary of North Korea's founding. He emphasized the necessity of preparing the nation's nuclear force to deter threats from rival nuclear-armed states, particularly in light of what he described as a serious security threat posed by the US-led military bloc in the region. In his address to senior party and government officials, Kim stated that North Korea would not only increase the number of nuclear weapons but also ensure that its armed forces are fully combat-ready at all times. This declaration follows previous calls for the mass production of tactical nuclear weapons and the constitutional enshrinement of a policy focused on strengthening the nuclear arsenal. As tensions rise, South Korea's Defense Ministry is set to meet with member states of the United Nations Command for the Korean Peninsula, amidst North Korea's criticisms of the UN command and its recent military collaborations.
- In his speech, Kim Jong-un highlighted the ongoing efforts to make North Korea's military capabilities more robust, asserting that there would be no limits to the country's ambitions in this regard. He reiterated that the developments in North Korea's military power would be rapid and continuous, indicating a clear direction for future military policies. The backdrop of these statements includes increasing military cooperation among US allies in the region, which North Korea perceives as a direct threat to its national security.