Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has pledged to enhance his country’s war response posture to address growing security challenges in the region. During his visit to the Ministry of National Defense on the Day of Army Founding, Kim emphasized the need to strengthen the armed forces to cope with any situation, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
In a speech marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army, Kim criticized the United States for its continued deployment of nuclear strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula. He also pointed to U.S.-led nuclear war simulation exercises, its trilateral military alliance with South Korea and Japan, and efforts to form an “Asian version of NATO” as actions that are destabilizing the region and posing serious threats to the DPRK’s security.
“The DPRK does not seek unnecessary escalation,” Kim stated. “But we will take sustained countermeasures to ensure regional military balance, aiming to prevent the outbreak of a new war and to maintain peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.”
Kim outlined plans to rapidly bolster all forms of deterrence, including nuclear forces, reaffirming the country’s commitment to further develop its nuclear capabilities.
Expressing concern over what he described as “reckless behaviors” by the U.S. and Western countries in fostering prolonged conflicts—referring to tensions involving Russia—Kim declared unwavering support for Russia. He said the DPRK’s army and people will “invariably support and encourage the just cause of the Russian army and people to defend their sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” honoring the spirit of the treaty on the comprehensive strategic partnership between the DPRK and Russia.
