North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said he will focus on expanding the country’s nuclear arsenal, while signalling that future relations with the United States depend on Washington’s approach, according to state media.
Speaking at the end of a major ruling party congress in Pyongyang, Kim said strengthening nuclear capability remained a central priority. He stressed the country’s intention to increase both the number of nuclear weapons and the means to deploy them.
Kim also outlined plans to develop more advanced military systems, including stronger intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched capabilities. State media reported that North Korea is also working on artificial intelligence-based attack systems and unmanned drones.
Recent estimates suggest North Korea already possesses dozens of nuclear warheads and has the capacity to produce more, underlining the scale of its ambitions.
A large military parade marked the end of the party congress, with troops, aircraft flyovers and senior officials in attendance. Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, was also present, adding to speculation about a possible future leadership role.
While emphasising military strength, Kim left the door open for improved relations with the United States. He said ties could improve if Washington changes what Pyongyang describes as a “hostile policy”.
However, analysts believe his remarks indicate that North Korea is unlikely to engage in talks centred on denuclearisation. Instead, any dialogue would depend on the US accepting North Korea’s status as a nuclear power.
Kim took a far tougher stance on South Korea, describing it as the country’s “most hostile enemy” and ruling out dialogue. He dismissed recent efforts by Seoul to improve relations, calling them insincere.
He also warned that North Korea could take action if provoked, raising concerns about further escalation on the Korean Peninsula.
The latest statements highlight a dual approach keeping limited diplomatic options open with the US while continuing to expand military capabilities and harden its stance towards regional rivals.
(with inputs from Reuters)