North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged during a speech at a military parade in Pyongyang to "strengthen and develop" the country's nuclear weapons capabilities, according to state media reports. Kim stated, as per a report from the Korean Central News Agency, "We will continue to take steps to enhance and develop our nuclear capabilities at the fastest pace possible." The agency noted that Kim delivered his speech late Monday during a military parade to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang.
North Korea is under strict U.S. and international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program, and multiple negotiations with Kim have not resulted in convincing him to halt his nuclear ambitions. Kim asserted that the country's nuclear weapons are a "symbol of national strength" and should be diversified. He added, "In preparation for the turbulent political and military situation and various crises in the future... we will enhance our nuclear power as quickly as possible."
The North Korean leader noted that while the primary role of the nuclear weapons is deterrence, they could be deployed if North Korea's "core interests" come under attack. The report mentioned that the parade featured North Korea's largest intercontinental ballistic missile, the "Hwasong-17," also referred to as "the monster," along with hypersonic missiles and submarines capable of launching missiles. The massive missile was tested for the first time last month, but South Korean officials believe that efforts for a full test ended in an explosion over Pyongyang.
The agency reported that "viewers erupted in cheers and were filled with excitement" upon seeing the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile rise into the sky on March 24 to demonstrate the absolute strength of the country's Juche doctrine and its strategic position in front of the world. As of now, the Korean Central News Agency has not released any images from the military parade.
