Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has accused the United States of being behind global disputes and affirmed North Korea’s policy to further enhance its nuclear forces, as reported by the North’s state media.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim made these remarks during a visit to the Ministry of National Defense, marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army. In his speech to military and political leaders, Kim outlined new plans to strengthen “all deterrences” and reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to advancing its nuclear capabilities, though specific details of these plans were not disclosed.
Kim criticized the deployment of U.S. nuclear strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula, U.S.-led nuclear war simulation exercises, and military cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. He claimed these actions are causing military imbalance and “a new conflicting structure” in Northeast Asia, presenting a significant challenge to North Korea.
Despite expressing th
at North Korea does not seek unnecessary tension, Kim emphasized the need for “sustained countermeasures” to maintain the regional military balance and prevent war, ensuring peace and security on the peninsula. He accused the U.S. of instigating global conflicts and bloodshed, arguing that this validates North Korea’s pursuit of “unlimited defense capability.”
Kim also attributed the prolonging of the Russia-Ukraine war to the U.S., expressing concern over what he described as the Western countries’ unrealistic ambitions to strategically weaken Russia. He reiterated North Korea’s support for Russia’s efforts to defend its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, referencing a mutual defense treaty with Russian President Vladimir Putin signed last year.