Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, has pledged to expand the country’s nuclear weapons in the coming year, according to Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the country’s state-run news agency.
During the sixth plenary meeting of the 8th Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) Central Committee from December 26 to December 31, Kim provided reports on five different topics pertaining to the state policies in 2022 and the work plan for 2023.
North Korea Military Plans
North Korea demonstrated its determination to maintain its power-for-power attitude against its so-called foes, the United States and South Korea, according to the KCNA report.
Following its December test of a reconnaissance satellite, North Korea stated that the first military satellite will be launched as soon as feasible by the National Aerospace Development Administration, which observers estimate will be in March or April.
Additionally, KCNA said that more comprehensive steps had been made to develop concrete countermeasures against the United States and South Korea.
According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) of South Korea, North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) toward its eastern waters on December 31 and January 1.
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‘Overwhelming’ Military Power
They began 2023 with a series of missile launches and Kim Jong Un’s promise to enhance nuclear weapon manufacturing and improve intercontinental ballistic missiles.
In addition, the North declared in December preparations to launch its first spy satellite into orbit by April. There is also concern that the first North Korean submarine capable of launching long-range missiles is nearing completion of construction.
Since the 1950s, South Korea has lived in the shadow of aggression from its northern neighbor. Analysts have stated that the present threats and provocations emanating from Pyongyang warrant grave worry.
Analysis of satellite photographs of the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground reveals that construction of larger and more capable launch vehicles for satellites and longer-range missiles, including solid-fuel booster systems, continues.
Also, it is widely anticipated that North Korea will conduct its first underground nuclear weapons test since 2017 in the near future.
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