North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has directed its military, munitions industry, and nuclear weapons sector to expedite war preparations in response to what he perceives as unprecedented confrontational actions by the United States, as reported by state media on Thursday.
During a crucial meeting of the country’s ruling party on Wednesday, Kim outlined policy directions for the new year. He emphasized plans to enhance strategic cooperation with “anti-imperialist independent” nations, as mentioned by the KCNA news agency.
According to KCNA, Kim articulated “militant tasks” for the People’s Army, munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defense sectors, urging them to intensify their preparations for war.
In recent times, North Korea has been strengthening its ties with various countries, including Russia, while facing accusations from Washington of supplying military equipment to Moscow for use in the conflict with Ukraine. In return, Russia is providing technical support to advance North Korea’s military capabilities.
Kim also outlined economic objectives for the upcoming year, describing it as a “decisive year” to achieve the country’s five-year development plan. The report highlighted his emphasis on dynamically advancing key industrial sectors and stabilizing agricultural production at a high level.
The North Korean leader acknowledged the serious food shortages the country has faced over the years, exacerbated by natural disasters and pandemic-related border closures. Although crop output was estimated to have increased in 2023 due to favorable weather conditions, it still fell far short of addressing the chronic food shortages, according to a Seoul official.
The 9th plenary meeting of the 8th central committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea began on Tuesday, concluding a year in which North Korea enshrined its nuclear policy in its constitution, launched a spy satellite, and conducted a new intercontinental ballistic missile test. These annual assemblies serve as a platform for key policy announcements, and Kim’s New Year’s Day speech is typically released through state media.
