North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has directed the country’s military, munitions industry, and nuclear weapons sector to expedite war preparations in response to what he perceives as unprecedented confrontational actions by the U.S., as reported by state media on Thursday.
Kim, speaking at a crucial meeting of the ruling party on Wednesday, outlined policy directions for the new year. He emphasized the need to counter perceived U.S. provocations and announced plans to enhance strategic cooperation with “anti-imperialist independent” countries, according to news agency KCNA. Notably, North Korea has been strengthening ties with Russia, among other nations.
The North Korean leader specified “militant tasks” for the People’s Army, munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defense sectors to intensify war preparations, as stated by KCNA. Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a frontline military unit, urging immediate and firm retaliation in the face of any provocation from North Korea.
In addition to military matters, Kim Jong Un outlined economic goals for the upcoming year during the party plenum, declaring it a “decisive year” for achieving the country’s five-year development plan, as per KCNA.