April 26, 2022 at 9:42 am
image source,KNCA/Archyde.com
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said it will strengthen and develop its nuclear capabilities “at the fastest pace.”
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, speaking at a military parade in Pyongyang on Monday night (April 25), made a strong statement regarding strengthening the country’s nuclear arsenal.
Pyongyang also displayed its banned intercontinental ballistic missiles at a military parade marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army.
North Korea test-fired its largest known intercontinental ballistic missile in March for the first time since 2017. This has sparked condemnation and concern from the international community.
Nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles allow North Korea to reach the U.S. mainland.
After that, the United States imposed several sanctions on the country, but Kim Jong Un did not back down due to the condemnation of the international community.
In addition to hypersonic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles were also displayed at the parade.
“We will continue to take steps to strengthen and develop our nuclear capabilities at the fastest pace,” he said. He also said North Korea’s nuclear forces “must be ready” to conduct drills at any time, according to the official KCNA news agency.
image source,KCNA / Archyde.com
He said North Korea’s nuclear weapons were fundamentally a deterrent tool, but might also be used for other means. His remarks echoed North Korea’s previous assertions that if attacked, North Korea would strike back.
Photos of the military parade released by state media showed the Hwasong-17 as one of the weapons displayed in the parade. North Korean authorities claim to have tested the massive ICBM for the first time in March.
However, some South Korean experts questioned the success of the test.
Pyongyang usually displays its new weapons at military parades, as well as a huge phalanx of tanks, artillery and soldiers.
Monday’s parade has been closely watched because North Korea has tested multiple missiles this year. Tensions on the Korean peninsula have risen once more.
image source,EPA
“Hwasong-17” missile
In addition, satellite imagery showed North Korea restarting construction activities at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in North Hamgyong province in March, including a building under construction and possible repairs to others, sparking concerns that the country will resume nuclear weapons and long-range missile tests ‘s concerns.
South Korean President-elect Yoon Sek-yue has taken a tough stance on North Korea’s actions, which also brings uncertainty to the future situation on the Korean peninsula.
South Korean Defense Minister Seo Wook said earlier this month that South Korea was capable of hitting North Korea’s missile launch sites, prompting a backlash from Pyongyang.
In 2018, Kim Jong-un suspended long-range ballistic missile and nuclear tests following talks with then-US President Donald Trump.
But in 2020, Kim Jong Un announced that he was no longer bound by that pledge.
Meanwhile, the Joe Biden administration has repeatedly said it is willing to resume talks with North Korea without preconditions, and North Korea has also demanded an end to related sanctions. But so far, there has been little interest from the United States in engaging North Korea.
Instead, Biden has prioritized ties with South Korea and Japan, and has backed outgoing South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s efforts to ease relations between the two countries.