Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed that his country will continue to strengthen its position as a nuclear armed state, saying the changing global security situation makes it necessary for Pyongyang to maintain and expand its military capabilities. The remarks were reported by North Korea's state news agency KCNA following a major meeting of the ruling Workers' Party.
Kim made the comments during a plenary session of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, where senior officials reviewed the country's political, economic and military priorities. According to state media, the North Korean leader said the international environment has become increasingly unstable and that his country must be prepared to respond to what it sees as growing military threats from outside forces.
He argued that North Korea's nuclear weapons are an essential part of the country's defense strategy and said the nation would continue to exercise its status as a nuclear state. Kim also accused the United States and South Korea of raising tensions on the Korean Peninsula through expanded military cooperation, joint military exercises and enhanced deterrence measures.
The latest statement is seen as another clear indication that North Korea has no intention of giving up its nuclear weapons program. Analysts say Pyongyang is increasingly presenting itself as a permanent nuclear power and is seeking international recognition of that status. In recent years, North Korea has repeatedly rejected calls from the United States and its allies to return to denuclearization talks.
During the party meeting, Kim called for further modernization of the country's armed forces. State media reported that he stressed the need to strengthen both nuclear and conventional military capabilities. The leadership also discussed plans to improve military readiness and continue developing advanced weapons systems.
The comments come at a time of renewed discussion about the future of diplomacy with North Korea. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung recently indicated that United States President Donald Trump may be willing to consider a phased approach to dealing with North Korea's nuclear program. Such an approach could begin with efforts to freeze further nuclear development before pursuing broader goals in future negotiations.
However, Pyongyang has shown little interest in returning to talks based on denuclearization. Earlier this month, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of Kim Jong Un, strongly criticized a statement from the Group of Seven nations supporting the denuclearization of North Korea. She described the demand as interference in the country's sovereignty and insisted that North Korea's nuclear status cannot be reversed.
North Korea has continued to invest heavily in military development despite years of international sanctions. Recent reports have highlighted the country's efforts to modernize its navy and develop more advanced missile and weapons systems. Observers believe these programs are intended to strengthen deterrence and increase the country's leverage in any future negotiations.
The Workers' Party meeting also focused on economic issues. Officials discussed ways to improve energy production and industrial output, including measures to modernise parts of the country's coal sector. North Korea continues to face economic challenges stemming from sanctions, limited trade, and chronic shortages of energy and resources.
Kim's latest declaration is likely to deepen concerns among neighboring countries and the wider international community. The continued expansion of North Korea's nuclear and military programs remains one of the most significant security challenges in Northeast Asia.
With tensions on the Korean Peninsula showing little sign of easing, experts believe the path toward meaningful dialogue remains uncertain. For now, North Korea appears determined to strengthen its military position while maintaining that its nuclear weapons are central to its national security and future strategy.