North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced the need to accelerate the country’s nuclear weapons program. This statement was made amid rising military and political tensions with the United States and South Korea. On August 19, during a visit to a naval base, Kim Jong Un emphasized the necessity to rapidly expand the nuclear arsenal, develop new weapons, and modernize existing ones.
According to him, in the context of increasing regional tension, North Korea must fundamentally change its current military doctrine and practice. This statement came against the background of the joint US-South Korea exercises “Ulchi Freedom Shield.” Pyongyang considers these exercises “acts of aggression,” and Kim Jong Un described them as an “open desire to provoke war.”
Earlier, South Korea announced the postponement of some of its field exercises until September, but Pyongyang did not respond positively. In addition, it was reported that North Korea is ready to constitutionally reject relations with the South. Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, called the South “the most hostile state.”
Experts believe that Kim Jong Un’s decision will further complicate regional security and serve as a warning to the international community. Pyongyang’s drive to increase nuclear power limits dialogue opportunities between North and South. Thus, the North Korean leader confirmed his firm resolve to develop nuclear capability to protect the country’s security and escalated the political situation in the region.
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