North Korean leader Kim Jong Un assured on Thursday that his country will not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack on a rival if provoked, after praising forces involved in the recent intercontinental ballistic missile test missiles (ICBM).
The North Korean state news agency (KCNA) reported that the North Korean leader met on Wednesday with troops involved in the Hwasong-18 solid fuel development rocket test, which took place this Monday, to congratulate them on their work .
During the meeting reported by KCNA, Kim stressed that the launch demonstrated the evolution of North Korea’s nuclear strategy and its stance “of not hesitating even in the face of a nuclear attack when the enemy provokes it with nuclear weapons.”
Kim also stressed that peace is guaranteed by a bellicose attitude and willingness to carry out pre-emptive strikes on the enemy anywhere to scare him, KCNA also said.
North Korea carried out its latest missile test on Monday and launched a long-range ballistic projectile, the fifth in 2023, a record number that underlines the progress of its weapons program and military build-up in the region.
Since Kim adopted a nuclear doctrine last year, he has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons pre-emptively.
Many foreign experts point out that North Korea has not yet acquired functional nuclear missiles and is also unlikely to use its nuclear weapons first as it is outmatched by the US and its allied forces.
South Korea, the United States and Japan on Tuesday announced the launch of a system for sharing real-time information on North Korean missiles and a plan for regular exercises to counter Pyongyang’s military advances.
After the failure of denuclearization negotiations with the US in 2019, North Korea approved an armament modernization plan – which includes the installation of military satellites and the testing of numerous missiles – in addition to rejecting the resumption of dialogue and strengthening ties with China and Russia. .
On the other hand, South Korea, Japan and the US strengthened security cooperation, with Washington increasing periodic shipments of strategic assets to the peninsula.
Source: DN
