Pyongyang’s leader has set a goal to increase powerful defense assets “without pause” to surpass global capabilities.
SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the country’s nuclear arsenal to be expanded “with a goal of overtaking the world,” Pyongyang’s state media reported on Tuesday . The statement came at the conclusion of a three-day plenary meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea’s central committee.
The meeting, which ran from Saturday through Monday, reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to its nuclear forces, describing them as “the core of the military sovereignty” of the nation and “the pivot of implementing the strategy for deterring or fighting a war” . The report said the plenary session unanimously decided that “to thoroughly exercise the position of a nuclear weapons state is the most correct and unique way to actively and confidently cope with the unpredictable international military and political situation” .
The Goal: ‘Overtaking the World’
Kim’s directive was explicit. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the leader “set forth tasks to dynamically carry out the work to increase powerful defense assets without pause in our own way and with a goal of overtaking the world” . He emphasized that “with the nuclear technology as a basis, more extensive, innovative and encouraging plans would be carried out with increasing speed” .
This latest declaration follows a recent visit by Kim to a new nuclear material production plant, where he announced plans to increase weapons-grade nuclear material production “at an exponential rate” . During that visit, he claimed the country’s capacity to produce such material has more than doubled over the past five years .
Condemning US-South Korea Alliance and Japan
The party meeting also served as a platform to condemn regional adversaries. Pyongyang reiterated its designation of South Korea as its “most hostile nation” and sharply criticized the military alliance between Seoul and Washington . Kim specifically denounced the U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), calling it a “nuclear war body whose purpose is to attack” North Korea and claiming it “drew detailed nuclear war scenarios” .
Kim also criticized Japan, accusing it of transforming into a “war state” by taking advantage of the current geopolitical climate to shed restrictions on its military .
New Military Infrastructure
Beyond nuclear expansion, Kim stressed the need to fortify North Korea’s defenses, including building new naval bases and reinforcing the border with the South . The party also pledged to accelerate the construction of a 10,000-ton-class strategic guided missile cruiser, a project initially decided in April .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does Kim Jong Un mean by ‘overtaking the world’?
Kim stated that North Korea aims to increase its defense capabilities “with a goal of overtaking the world,” indicating a strategic ambition to surpass other nations in nuclear and military capabilities, viewing the nuclear arsenal as a “pivot” for national strategy .
Q2: Why is North Korea expanding its nuclear program now?
Pyongyang frames the expansion as a necessary response to an “unpredictable international military and political situation” and what it sees as increasing threats from the U.S.-South Korea alliance . The recent collapse of denuclearization talks and international sanctions have also driven the country to entrench its nuclear status .
Q3: What is the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG)?
The NCG is a U.S.-South Korea deterrence group that meets to coordinate nuclear and strategic planning in response to North Korean threats. North Korea denounced it as a “nuclear war body” and claims it draws up attack scenarios .
Q4: How has the international community responded?
North Korea has faced repeated UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions for its nuclear and missile tests. While the exact size of its arsenal is unknown, international experts believe Pyongyang has dozens of nuclear warheads and has successfully tested ICBMs capable of reaching the U.S. . The IAEA also reports that North Korea has expanded its enrichment facilities at locations like Yongbyon .
This is a developing story. Reflecto News will continue to provide updates on North Korea’s nuclear and military developments.
