North Korea’s supreme leader, Kim Jong Un, has called for a swift increase in his nation’s nuclear weapons capabilities. He claimed that recent joint military exercises by the United States and South Korea could ignite a war. This declaration comes as tensions rise on the Korean Peninsula.
Speaking through the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un stated that stronger military cooperation between the US and South Korea clearly shows their intent to wage war. He pointed to their recent show of force as direct proof. Kim added that the current situation demands North Korea make big changes to its military theories and approaches. It also requires a speedy boost to its nuclear arsenal.
Kim made these comments during a visit to the “Cho Hyun” destroyer on Monday. While there, he received a report about the navy’s weapon systems. He seemed pleased that the plan to build a “high-tech and nuclear-armed navy” is progressing as intended. This positive review comes ahead of a performance evaluation set for October.
Meanwhile, the United States and South Korea kicked off their annual military drills on Monday. These exercises will last for 11 days. They include live-fire training in several different locations. The US Army stated that these drills are purely for defense. Their main goal is to counter threats from North Korea.
In a different tone, South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung spoke on Friday. He said his country would respect North Korea’s political system. He also expressed readiness to build military trust with Pyongyang. He emphasized a willingness to open talks without preconditions. This approach stands apart from past leaders, who often took a tougher stance against North Korea. Lee Jae-myung’s remarks came just one day after Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, made her own statement. She said North Korea has no plans to improve ties with South Korea. She also denied reports that Pyongyang was taking down propaganda loudspeakers near the border.
Source: channelnewsasia