During a plenary session of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Kim Jong-un called for the acceleration of the expansion of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. He emphasised the need to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities in order to ensure its military sovereignty.
- Kim Jong-un has called for the acceleration of the development of the DPRK’s nuclear capabilities.
- North Korea plans to take the lead in the field of strategic weapons.
- North Korea has confirmed its intention to modernise its navy.
- Pyongyang has criticised the military alliance between the US and South Korea.
Pyongyang confirms its commitment to expanding its nuclear forces
During the three-day plenary session of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, which concluded recently, Kim Jong-un confirmed his intention to develop the country’s nuclear capabilities. Those present at the meeting unanimously supported the need for further nuclear build-up forces which Pyongyang regards as the cornerstone of its military sovereignty and a key instrument of deterrence.
Kim Jong-un’s new strategic objectives
Kim Jong-un has set himself an ambitious goal — to outpace other nations in the field of strategic weapons. According to him, the development of the defence sector must proceed continuously and at a rapid pace. State media reported that DPRK plans to implement new large-scale programmes in military technology, which will be based on advances in the nuclear sector. This was announced reports agency Yonhap News.
Modernisation of the naval forces
During the plenary session, particular attention was paid to the modernisation of the navy. The DPRK reaffirmed its intention to accelerate the construction of a strategic missile cruiser with a displacement of 10,000 tonnes, the decision to build which was taken back in April this year. Experts believe that this project could form part of a wider programme to develop maritime platforms for the deployment of missile systems.
New accusations against the US and South Korea
The North Korean authorities have once again reaffirmed their stance that South Korea is the «most hostile state». Pyongyang has sharply criticised the military alliance between Seoul and Washington, in particular the activities of the Nuclear Consultative Group, which coordinates nuclear deterrence. According to the DPRK leadership, the strengthening of cooperation between the US and South Korea poses an additional threat to the country’s security.
Personnel changes in the party leadership
Personnel changes were also made during the meeting. The following person was elected as the new secretary of the Central Committee of the Korean Workers’ Party: Cho Yeon-won, who previously chaired a standing committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly. These changes formed part of the decisions adopted following the February party congress, at which a new five-year development strategy for the country was set out in the areas of the economy, defence and foreign policy.
