North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un has issued another warning regarding the pre-emptive usage of nuclear weaponry if threatened. In a speech made to thousands of military troops and spectators, Kim vowed the use of its nuclear weaponry to counter hostile forces.
Kim Jong Un strengthening North Korea’s nuclear defense
In a military parade, held in the capital city of Pyongyang, the North Korean leader expressed his firm will continue the development of the country’s nuclear artillery so that it could control and contain all potentially dangerous attempts, ever-escalating nuclear threats, and threatening moves from hostile forces all across the world.
In a statement meant to encourage his troops, Kim said that Pyongyang should continue building up its military power so that no force in the entire world can provoke it. He further supported his claims by calling the country’s military power, a “lifeline guaranteeing the security of our country”. He also apprised that the country’s nuclear weapons are not confined to being war deterrents but can also be used in situations where the fundamental interests of North Korea are threatened.
As per reports from North Korea’s Central News Agency, the North Korean figurehead also advised his troops to maintain “absolute superiority” over North Korea’s armed forces. During the parade held in the national capital on Monday, Kim called upon his military officials to praise their work. The parade also flaunted the biggest weapons included in the country’s nuclear and atomic arsenal.
It encompassed intercontinental ballistic missiles that could potentially reach the U.S. The North also showcased an array of shorter-range solid-fuel missiles which have been designed to be fired from land vehicles or submarines, which poses a great threat to its neighboring countries like South Korea and Japan.
North Korea’s display of power
The parade commemorated the 90th anniversary of the country’s armed forces. Despite aggressive sanctions, North Korea has doubled Kim Jong Un’s defense modernization drive. Various comments made by Kim suggest that he will continue with weapon trials to dial up the pressure on Washington and Seoul. North Korea has already started test-firing a muster of banned weapons and ignored all attempts of peace talks made by the U.S.
The country has conducted 13 rounds of weapon launches this year. Last month Pyongyang test-fired a full-range ICBM. Various satellite images showcase signs of ongoing activity across several nuclear testing sites. There are also indications of North Korea rebuilding tunnels at a nuclear testing ground, which was inactive since 2017.
These nuclear tests are being unveiled as South Korea prepares for its new President, Yoon Suk-Yeol who has plans to attend a summit with US President Joe Biden on 21st May to maximize its political effect. Yoon in his election campaigns vowed the enhancement of South Korea’s preemptive strike capabilities against the North. He also ensured the strengthening of the country’s defenses with the help of its alliance with the United States of America.
Reaction from the US
Jaliana Porter, the Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department stated that they are fully conscious of the potential possibility of North Korea conducting a nuclear test, the result of which would be a deeply destabilizing for the entire region and would impede the global non-proliferation regime. Porter also urged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to refrain from destabilizing activity and encouraged serious and sustained dialogue between the two countries.
Nuclear mediation between the US and North Korea has been on hold since 2019 owing to disagreements over the easing of US sanctions in exchange for Pyongyang’s disarmament steps.
