North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reiterated that the country’s nuclear weapons programme is “irreversible”, framing it as central to national security and economic development.
Speaking at the Supreme People’s Assembly, Kim Jong Un said: “The firm establishment of the nuclear shield firmly guarantees and drives the development of all sectors of the country, including the economy and culture, as well as the improvement of the people’s lives, not only in the military and security fields,” he said in comments released on Tuesday (24 March) by state media.
“Dignity and rights of sovereign states are helplessly trampled upon by unilateral coercion and tyranny”, Kim added, underscoring that his regime sees its nuclear capability as the “true guarantee for national existence and peace”.
He signalled conditional openness to dialogue, depending on whether Washington pursues “confrontation or coexistence”.
Key developments:
• North Korea is estimated to hold 40–50 nuclear warheads, with capacity for up to 90, according to international security assessments.
• Defence spending is projected at 15.8% of GDP, supporting advanced missile systems including ICBMs such as the Hwasong-18.
• Recent military drills featured coordinated rocket launches designed to test rapid strike capabilities.
• Constitutional revisions are expected to remove references to Korean reunification, redefining South Korea as a separate state.
Kim, in his address, referred to South Korea as “the most hostile state”, comments that dealt a further blow to Seoul’s aim of pursuing “peaceful coexistence” with Pyongyang.
Analysts note Pyongyang is pursuing parallel nuclear and conventional military expansion, while inter-Korean relations continue to deteriorate.
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