North Korea has officially confirmed its course for the aggressive expansion of its nuclear arsenal. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that the country must "outpace the entire world" in the development of military technologies to guarantee its sovereignty. This decision was made at a plenary session of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party, which took place in Pyongyang from June 20 to 22.
Nuclear Weapons as the Foundation of Sovereignty
During the session, participants unanimously confirmed that the buildup of nuclear forces is the "basis of military sovereignty" for the state. In conditions described in Pyongyang as an unstable international situation, the use of nuclear power status was called the "most correct and unique way" of action.
The official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Korea had previously stated that the issue of nuclear disarmament is finally closed. Pyongyang does not intend to give up its status, viewing its atomic potential as the only guarantee of security in the region.
New Threats and Infrastructure
Kim Jong Un did not limit himself to rhetoric and announced specific plans to strengthen defense capabilities. In particular, the country's leader emphasized the need to create new defense infrastructure facilities along the southern border. This decision is directly related to the tension in relations with neighbors.
Response to US and South Korean Actions
The decision to expand the arsenal was a reaction to the activities of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) — a joint body of the United States and the Republic of Korea. Pyongyang sharply criticized this mechanism, calling it a "nuclear war organ" created solely to threaten North Korea.
Previously, in June, Kim Jong Un also announced plans to integrate the North Korean Navy into the general military doctrine, turning it into a key element of nuclear deterrence. Thus, Pyongyang is demonstrating its readiness to develop all branches of the armed forces within the framework of its new doctrine of "outpacing".