North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced a directive to “further accelerate” the country’s military defenses, citing the need to counter “confrontational moves” from the United States. The announcement came during a meeting between Kim and the ruling party, the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), where policy plans for the country’s direction in 2024 were discussed.
According to North Korea’s state media, Kim outlined “militant tasks” for the munitions industry, nuclear weapons, civil defense sectors, and the army to intensify war preparations. The leader pointed to the “grave political and military situation in the Korean peninsula,” attributing it to the “anti-DPRK confrontation moves of the U.S. and its vassal forces unprecedented in history,” as reported by news agency KCNA.
North Korea has previously expressed support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, adding strain to the relationship between North Korea and the U.S. In September, Kim and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held discussions in Russia on military matters, with Kim lauding Russia’s “sacred fight” against Ukraine during a visit to Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome.
The state media report stated that Kim clarified the Workers’ Party of Korea’s independent principle to “expand and develop” relations with anti-imperialist independent countries. Kim emphasized the intention to “wage” a “joint action” with these nations on an international scale amid the rapidly changing world geopolitical situation.
According to Kim, North Korea is taking a proactive stance in response to perceived provocations from the United States.
via joemiller
