PYONGYANG — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that the country will soon adopt a policy to strengthen both its nuclear arsenal and conventional military forces, state media KCNA reported on Saturday. The strategy is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, marking a significant step in the nation’s defense agenda.
North Korea’s Dual Military Strategy
During inspections of key weapons research facilities this week, Kim emphasized that the new policy would “push forward the development of nuclear forces and conventional armed forces simultaneously.”
The announcement underscores North Korea’s continued pursuit of a two-track military buildup, combining advanced weapons programs with traditional defense capabilities to bolster its overall security posture.
Kim Jong Un’s Public Engagements
Alongside the defense inspections, Kim oversaw a live-fire shooting drill by the military and visited a hospital construction site, highlighting his active domestic leadership role.
This surge of public activity comes shortly after Kim’s high-profile visit to Beijing, where he participated in his largest international event to date and held meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The trip significantly elevated Kim’s international standing.
Rising Tensions on the Korean Peninsula
In a separate statement on Saturday, KCNA criticized upcoming U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, describing them as a “nuclear war drill.” The commentary argued that such activities justify North Korea’s strengthened nuclear strategy and fuel further confrontation in the region.
Global Implications
North Korea’s commitment to advancing both nuclear and conventional capabilities signals ongoing tensions with Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo. Analysts say the move could escalate regional security concerns while complicating diplomatic efforts aimed at denuclearization.
