North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for an expansion of the country’s nuclear forces this year during a visit to a nuclear material production base and a nuclear weapons institute, state media KCNA reported on Wednesday.
Kim’s visit to these key facilities comes amid a heightened display of military power from Pyongyang, coinciding with the return of US President Donald Trump to office and the resumption of missile tests. South Korea has suggested these tests may be aimed at attracting Trump’s attention.
During his visit, Kim praised the achievements of scientists and workers, commending their “remarkable successes” and “amazing production results” over the past year. He was briefed on the processes for producing weapons-grade nuclear materials and their plans for 2025 and beyond.
Kim stressed the need for continued progress in nuclear material production, calling 2025 a critical year for bolstering the country’s nuclear forces.
“This year is a crucial year as it is an important watershed in which we should carry out the tasks in the important period in the course of implementing the line of bolstering up the nuclear forces,” he stated.
He added that North Korea faces “the world’s most unstable security situation” due to ongoing hostilities with “the most vicious hostile countries,” making it essential for the country to strengthen its nuclear capability.
Pyongyang has long argued that its nuclear arsenal is necessary for self-defense against perceived threats from Washington and its allies, with whom it fought during the 1950-53 Korean War. Analysts estimate that North Korea may have enough fissile material to produce up to 90 nuclear warheads.
Seoul’s National Intelligence Service has indicated that the North’s recent demonstrations of military power were partly intended to “show off its US deterrent assets and draw Trump’s attention,” especially after pledging “the toughest anti-US counteraction” at a key year-end policy meeting.
Trump, who held historic summits with Kim during his first term, indicated last week that he would “reach out to him again.” On Jan. 20, the day of his inauguration, Trump referred to North Korea as a “nuclear power,” echoing remarks from his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, raising questions about whether Washington would prioritize arms reduction talks over denuclearisation discussions.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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