North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has escalated tensions with South Korea, labeling it the “most hostile enemy” and threatening potential destruction while outlining plans to expand the country’s nuclear capabilities.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a stark warning to South Korea, claiming that his country could “completely destroy” its southern neighbor if it feels threatened. This declaration marks a significant escalation in rhetoric as Kim ruled out any possibility of renewed diplomatic talks.
During a speech at the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party in Pyongyang, Kim characterized South Korea as the “most hostile enemy.” He criticized the current South Korean government’s conciliatory approach, describing it as “clumsily deceptive and crude,” according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim asserted that North Korea has the capability to “initiate arbitrary action” should South Korea engage in what he termed “obnoxious behavior.” He dismissed recent efforts by Seoul to improve relations, ominously stating that “South Korea’s complete collapse cannot be ruled out.”
In his address, Kim outlined ambitious five-year policy goals focused on expanding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates that North Korea currently possesses around 50 nuclear warheads, with enough fissile material to potentially produce up to 40 more.
Kim emphasized the importance of enhancing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, stating, “It is our party’s firm will to further expand and strengthen our national nuclear power, and thoroughly exercise its status as a nuclear state.” He indicated that the country would prioritize projects aimed at increasing the number of nuclear weapons and expanding operational capabilities.
In addition to nuclear expansion, Kim announced plans for the development of advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of underwater launches, as well as artificial intelligence-driven weapons systems and unmanned drones, according to KCNA.
While Kim has previously engaged in negotiations with the United States, he suggested that any future talks would depend on the U.S. changing its approach. “Whether it’s peaceful coexistence or permanent confrontation, we are ready for either, and the choice is not ours to make,” he stated.
Kim further indicated that if the United States were to “withdraw its policy of confrontation” and recognize North Korea’s “current status,” there would be “no reason why we cannot get along well with the U.S.”
Following the congress, Kim’s teenage daughter, Ju Ae, was seen attending a military parade in Pyongyang. Reports suggest that she has recently been given a leadership role within the regime’s influential “Missile Administration,” which oversees North Korea’s nuclear forces. Ju Ae, believed to be around 13 or 14 years old, was photographed standing alongside her father and senior military officials.
This latest round of threats and military ambitions from North Korea underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and raises concerns about the future of inter-Korean relations and international security.
According to Fox News, Kim’s remarks and military plans reflect a continued commitment to enhancing North Korea’s defense capabilities amid a complex geopolitical landscape.