SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued directives to ramp up military preparedness in response to perceived provocative actions by the United States, according to state media reports on Thursday. During a crucial meeting of the ruling party on Wednesday, Kim emphasized the need for the military, munitions industry, and nuclear weapons sector to expedite war preparations, citing unprecedented confrontational moves by the U.S.
Kim also outlined plans to expand strategic cooperation with "anti-imperialist independent" nations, with North Korea strengthening ties with Russia amidst accusations of supplying military equipment to Moscow for its conflict with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia offers technical support to enhance North Korea's military capabilities.
The leader set forth "militant tasks" for the People's Army, munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defense sectors to accelerate their readiness for potential conflict, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, responding to the heightened tensions, visited a frontline military unit, urging immediate and firm retaliation against any provocation from North Korea.
Addressing economic goals for the coming year, Kim declared it a "decisive year" to achieve the country's five-year development plan. He specified key tasks in major industrial sectors and emphasized the importance of stabilizing agricultural production at a high level.
Despite a reported increase in crop output in 2023 due to favorable weather conditions, North Korea continues to face serious food shortages, exacerbated by border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. International experts warn that the amount remains insufficient to address chronic food shortages in the country.
The 9th plenary meeting of the 8th central committee of the Workers' Party of Korea concluded after days of discussions, during which North Korea enshrined its nuclear policy in the constitution, launched a spy satellite, and tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile. The meeting serves as a platform for key policy announcements, with Kim's speech traditionally released on New Year's Day.