North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Thursday (26 February) he will focus on expanding his country’s nuclear arsenal and that prospects for improving relations with the U.S. depend entirely on Washington’s approach, state media KCNA reported.
Kim made the remarks as North Korea’s week-long Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party concluded with a military parade in Pyongyang on Wednesday.
He described the nation’s “international status” as having risen extraordinarily and outlined major policy goals for the next five years.
“It is our party’s firm will to further expand and strengthen our national nuclear power, and thoroughly exercise our status as a nuclear state,” Kim said.
“We will focus on projects to increase the number of nuclear weapons and expand nuclear operational means.”
State media also reported plans to develop more powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles, including submarine-launched variants, systems using artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned drones, and weapons capable of targeting satellites.
KCNA photos showed soldiers marching in Kim Il Sung Square, while jets conducted a fly-by. His daughter Ju Ae stood alongside him, raising speculation about succession plans.
Kim left the door open for dialogue with the United States, but insisted that talks could only proceed if Washington abandons its “hostile policy”.
"If the U.S. withdraws its policy of confrontation with North Korea by respecting our country's current status... there is no reason why we cannot get along well with the U.S.," Kim said, according to KCNA.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump plans to travel to China from 31 March to 2 April. Some North Korea experts including South Korea's spy agency have speculated that Kim could meet Trump around that time.
However, he ruled out discussions with South Korea, calling it the “most hostile enemy” and warning that Pyongyang could take “arbitrary action” in response to perceived provocations.
Experts say Kim’s statements indicate an expected refusal of talks premised on denuclearisation, though the possibility of engagement remains if the U.S. adjusts its stance.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said efforts to build trust and stability on the Korean Peninsula must continue despite longstanding hostility.
Analysts note the remarks emphasise tactical nuclear and conventional weapons, highlighting continued risks to regional security and underscoring the fragile state of inter-Korean relations.
Three people have been killed in a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, including a security guard while the two suspects were later found ...
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the c...
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to secu...
Global leaders gathered in Baku this week for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, where heads of state and senior officials warned that rapi...
Gunmen killed at least 10 people, including women and children, in an attack on a rural community in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina State, re...
Israeli military strikes across Gaza killed at least eight Palestinians on Sunday, according to local health officials, as the Israel Defense Forces intensified operations targeting Hamas commanders and infrastructure across the enclave.
A new documentary by AnewZ Investigations titled 'Target Yerevan' is set to premiere in Baku soon, examining allegations surrounding former International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo, Armenian lobbying networks, and wider political influence campaigns.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing negotiations to continue over a possible deal to end the conflict.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said plans to strengthen frontline units on the border with South Korea, as well as other major units, were key to "more thoroughly deterring war," state media KCNA reported on Monday.
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, taking victory in a final overshadowed by a boycott over Israel’s participation and the war in Gaza.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing negotiations to continue over a possible deal to end the conflict.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early on Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue efforts continued.
U.S. President Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran prepares a new shipping mechanism. Tensions over the U.S. blockade and stalled nuclear talks continue to disrupt global oil supplies.
Three people have been killed in a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, including a security guard while the two suspects were later found dead after the attack, authorities have confirmed.
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the country to a standstill.
Gunmen killed at least 10 people, including women and children, in an attack on a rural community in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina State, residents said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly through expanded trade and economic cooperation.
Israeli military strikes across Gaza killed at least eight Palestinians on Sunday, according to local health officials, as the Israel Defense Forces intensified operations targeting Hamas commanders and infrastructure across the enclave.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment