North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced that the nation will permanently bolster its nuclear forces and officially regard South Korea as its primary adversary. During a speech to the Supreme People’s Assembly on Monday, he emphasised that the country’s status as a nuclear-armed state is now irreversible.
He stated that maintaining a self-defensive nuclear deterrent is vital for national security and regional stability. According to reports from the state media outlet KCNA, Kim dismissed any possibility of negotiating nuclear disarmament in exchange for economic incentives or security assurances, asserting that North Korea has proven its strategic choice to pursue both military and economic development simultaneously.
Defence priorities and regional tensions
Kim argued that nuclear weaponry has successfully deterred conflict, allowing the government to allocate resources toward construction and improving living standards. However, he accused the United States and its regional allies of causing instability by deploying strategic assets near the Korean peninsula.
The leader noted that North Korea no longer perceives itself as a vulnerable nation under threat. Instead, he claimed the country now possesses the capability to threaten others if deemed necessary. He specifically warned Seoul that any infringement on North Korean sovereignty would result in a merciless response without any form of restraint.
Shifts in reunification policy
These remarks underscore a hardening stance toward the South. This follows Kim’s earlier decision to abandon decades of policy aimed at peaceful reunification, instead redefining the relationship as one between two hostile states. While analysts are monitoring whether this shift has been formally codified into law, the latest state media reports provided no further specific details on legislative changes regarding this status.
Beyond security concerns, Kim outlined several economic objectives for the nation. He urged officials to execute a new five-year development plan aimed at modernising industries and increasing the production of electricity and coal. The plan also focuses on boosting food output and expanding housing projects across the country to address chronic shortages.
Budgetary allocations and foreign relations
The parliamentary session concluded with amendments to the constitution and the endorsement of the new economic plan. A separate budget report revealed that the 2026 state budget will increase defence spending to 15.8 per cent of total expenditure. These funds are explicitly intended to expand nuclear deterrence and enhance war-fighting capabilities.
During the session, the assembly also received a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Russian leader expressed support for Kim’s leadership and committed to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, highlighting the deepening ties between the two nations.
