Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has blamed the United States for being behind global disputes, reaffirming North Korea's commitment to advancing its nuclear capabilities. The North's state media reported this development on Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim made these remarks during a visit to the Ministry of National Defense, marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army. In his speech to military and political leaders, Kim outlined new plans to strengthen "all deterrences," emphasizing North Korea's ongoing commitment to enhancing its nuclear forces. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported these developments but did not specify the details of the plans.
Kim argued that U.S. military activities, including the deployment of nuclear assets on the Korean Peninsula, nuclear war simulations, and trilateral cooperation with Japan and South Korea, are disrupting the military balance in Northeast Asia. He described these actions as creating a "new conflicting structure," which poses significant challenges to North Korea.
Despite asserting that North Korea does not seek unnecessary tension, Kim stated that the country will pursue "sustained countermeasures" to maintain regional military balance, aiming to prevent a new war and ensure peace on the peninsula. He accused the U.S. of being involved in global disputes and bloodshed, justifying North Korea's pursuit of "unlimited defense capability" as a rightful stance.
Kim also held the U.S. responsible for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, criticizing Western nations for prolonging the war in a futile attempt to weaken Russia. He expressed support for Russia, reaffirming North Korea's commitment to the mutual defense treaty signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin last year.
In a separate statement, the KCNA criticized recent South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, claiming they exacerbate tensions. The KCNA warned that "hostile and risky actions will only lead to undesired results," without specifying what those results might entail. North Korea has consistently condemned these drills as invasion rehearsals, while South Korea and the U.S. maintain that their exercises are defensive.