North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivered a stern warning, stating that his country would not hesitate to use its full range of attack capabilities, including nuclear weapons, against any forces attempting to threaten the regime. His remarks, made during a speech at the Kim Jong Un University of National Defence, were broadcasted by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim’s comments come amidst growing military cooperation between South Korea and the United States. He expressed particular concern over the recent South Korea-US deterrence agreement, which integrates South Korea’s conventional military capabilities with US nuclear forces in response to North Korea’s advancing nuclear threats. While South Korea does not possess nuclear weapons, the joint planning framework with the US has raised concerns in Pyongyang.
“The use of nuclear weapons is not ruled out,” Kim stated, justifying the need to strengthen North Korea’s nuclear response posture. He further asserted that South Korea and the US risk destabilizing the region’s balance of power through their military alignment.
North Korea, since adopting a more aggressive nuclear doctrine in 2022, has consistently reiterated its readiness to use nuclear weapons preemptively if it feels that its leadership is under threat. Despite these statements, experts are divided on whether North Korea could actually execute such an action, given its military inferiority compared to the combined forces of the US and South Korea. US and South Korean officials have cautioned that any nuclear provocation by North Korea would lead to the downfall of Kim’s regime.
Increased Nuclear Activity Raises Alarms
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated in recent weeks with North Korea’s revelation of a facility dedicated to producing weapons-grade uranium, an essential component of nuclear weapons. The country has also continued a spate of missile tests, further exacerbating fears of potential provocations. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol noted that North Korea’s recent actions might be an attempt to draw the attention of the US, particularly in light of the upcoming US presidential election.
Analysts believe that North Korea is likely preparing for significant provocations, such as a nuclear test or long-range missile launch, in the near future. This could be a strategic move to leverage its expanded nuclear arsenal for negotiating concessions from the US, such as relief from economic sanctions, especially following the inauguration of a new US administration.
Looming North Korean Parliament Meeting Raises Concerns
North Korea’s parliament, often referred to as a rubber-stamp body, was scheduled to meet on October 7, though state media has not confirmed if the session took place as planned. Observers believe that the meeting was intended to make constitutional changes, particularly to enshrine a “two-state” system that formally rejects reconciliation with South Korea. This shift would mark a significant move away from the long-standing goal of peaceful reunification and could further solidify the hostile stance between the two Koreas.
In January, Kim had ordered the revision of the constitution to eliminate the notion of unification, declaring South Korea an “invariable principal enemy.” Since the collapse of broader US-North Korea diplomacy in 2019, all inter-Korean cooperation and exchange programs have remained dormant.
Psychological Warfare Tactics Resurrected
In another Cold War-era tactic, North Korea has resumed launching balloons carrying trash and propaganda across the border into South Korea. This psychological campaign, revived in May, has further strained relations between the two countries. South Korean military officials confirmed that such balloons were again being launched on Tuesday, contributing to the already heightened tensions.
With North Korea’s escalating rhetoric and nuclear activities, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining the direction of security on the Korean Peninsula. The international community remains watchful, as the potential for conflict looms larger than ever.
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