North Korea’s Workers' Party of Korea has re-elected Kim Jong Un as general secretary during the party congress in Pyongyang state media reported.

The decision is seen as reinforcing Kim’s authority over North Korea’s political and security structure. State media said the leadership praised improvements in defence strength, stressing that nuclear forces remain the foundation of the country’s military doctrine. 

The general secretary is the highest political position in North Korea’s power structure.

Officials said North Korea’s nuclear-based deterrence capability has been enhanced through continued development of missile systems and other strategic weapons, despite long-standing international sanctions. These claims are based on state media reporting and cannot be independently verified.

The party congress, which opened on 19 February and is now in its fourth day, is normally held once every five years and serves as North Korea’s main platform for reviewing national policy direction.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Kim Jong Un on his reelection. Xi said he is ready to work with Kim to strengthen bilateral ties and “write a new chapter” in China–North Korea relations.

Party restructuring and policy focus

During the meeting, delegates elected new members to the Central Committee and approved amendments to party rules, although details were not disclosed. Reports suggested several senior figures from the previous leadership structure were removed.

North Korea claims to have continued advancing intercontinental ballistic missile technology while keeping much of its military programme secret. Before the congress, authorities also showcased what they described as nuclear-capable rocket launch systems, though the claims have not been independently verified.

Public attention has also focused on Kim Ju Ae, Kim’s teenage daughter, amid speculation about a possible future leadership role. However, there has been no official confirmation that she is being prepared as a successor or that she attended the congress.

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State media also said Kim emphasised improving living standards and described economic development as an important national objective, even as the country continues to face external sanctions and economic pressure.

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