SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to dramatically increase the country's nuclear arsenal. In a speech marking North Korea’s founding anniversary on Monday, Kim stated that North Korea is now focused on implementing a policy to “exponentially” grow its nuclear capabilities, according to state media KCNA.
Kim emphasized the need for North Korea to enhance its nuclear readiness to protect state security against perceived threats, particularly from the United States and its allies. He described the situation as a "grave threat" due to what he sees as a US-led nuclear military bloc in the region.
In response to North Korea's recent advancements in nuclear delivery systems and ballistic missile tests, South Korea’s Deputy Defense Minister for Policy, Cho Chang-rae, along with officials from the United States and Japan, condemned these actions. During a meeting in Seoul, the three nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen trilateral cooperation aimed at maintaining regional peace and deterring North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. They also agreed to conduct a second trilateral military exercise, known as Freedom Edge, in the near future.
Additionally, South Korea will convene a defense ministerial meeting with the United Nations Command (UNC) members. The UNC, led by the US military commander stationed in South Korea, is responsible for overseeing the heavily fortified border with North Korea. Last month, Germany joined the UNC, enhancing its role in defending South Korea. North Korea has criticized the UNC and Germany's involvement as aggravating tensions in the region.
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