North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that he will focus on expanding his nuclear arsenal and increasing combat capabilities, while emphasizing that the prospect of improving relations with the US depends entirely on Washington's attitude, according to North Korea's Central News Agency KCNA on February 26.
The statement was made when the IXth National Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea closed after a week of meetings and ended with a military parade in Pyongyang. Mr. Kim Jong Un said the country's international position had "increased dramatically" and set major policy goals for the next 5 years.
According to KCNA, Mr. Kim Jong Un affirmed that continuing to expand and strengthen national nuclear power is the steadfast will of the ruling party. He announced that he will focus on projects to increase the number of nuclear warheads and expand nuclear combat vehicles.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated last year that North Korea had assembled about 50 nuclear warheads, possessed enough fissile material to produce up to 40 more warheads and is accelerating the production of new fissile material.
Mr. Kim Jong Un also announced plans to develop more powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles, including those that can be launched from underwater, artificial intelligence attack systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Images released by North Korean state media show soldier formations marching through Kim Il-sung Square brightly lit, below the stands where Mr. Kim Jong Un and his daughter Ju Ae stood with senior officials.
Some units wore camouflage uniforms and special combat equipment, while the aircraft formation performed a flying performance over the square. It is not clear whether specific military equipment will be displayed or not. The appearance of Ju Ae continues to raise speculation about the possibility that she is being prepared for her successor role.
Regarding relations with the US, Kim Jong Un left open the possibility of dialogue. According to KCNA, he said that if the US abandons its confrontational policy and respects North Korea's current position, there is no reason why the two sides cannot reconcile. However, Kim Jong Un has so far not accepted offers from US President Donald Trump, who met with him 3 times in his first term.
Regarding South Korea, Mr. Kim Jong Un called the neighbor "the most hostile enemy" and ruled out the possibility of discussion. Since taking office in June last year, the government of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has taken steps to improve relations between the two sides, which are still technically at war, but North Korea has repeatedly denied it.
Mr. Kim Jong Un warned that Pyongyang could initiate action if South Korea has actions considered provocative against North Korea.
