North Korea to Expand Nuclear Forces After Alleged US Threats
Kim Jong-un Orders Production of More Warheads and Missiles
Pyongyang Cites Hostile Policy by Washington
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for a significant expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal in response to perceived threats from the United States.
During a meeting of the ruling Workers' Party, Kim ordered the production of more nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The decision came after Kim accused the United States of pursuing a "hostile policy" toward North Korea and failing to meet its commitments under previous agreements.
The move marks a departure from the country's previous stance of dialogue and denuclearization, which had led to a series of high-profile summits between Kim and former US President Donald Trump.
Experts believe that the expansion of North Korea's nuclear forces could further escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula and complicate efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution.
The United States has repeatedly condemned North Korea's nuclear program and called for its complete denuclearization.
However, Pyongyang has maintained that its nuclear arsenal is necessary for its defense against potential aggression.
Reasons for Expansion
Kim cited several reasons for the decision to expand North Korea's nuclear forces:
- Alleged US threats to the country's sovereignty
- Failure of the United States to lift sanctions and provide economic assistance
- Development by South Korea and Japan of advanced weapons systems
Consequences of Expansion
The expansion of North Korea's nuclear forces could have several consequences:
- Heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the wider region
- Increased risk of nuclear conflict
- Further challenges to diplomatic efforts to achieve denuclearization
US Response
The United States has condemned North Korea's decision to expand its nuclear forces and vowed to take steps to protect its interests and those of its allies in the region.
The Biden administration has called for North Korea to return to dialogue and work towards denuclearization.
However, experts believe that the prospects for successful diplomacy are currently limited.