North Korea's Kim Jong Un Orders Military to Accelerate War Preparations Amid U.S. Confrontation
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has directed the country's military, munitions industry, and nuclear weapons sector to expedite war preparations in response to what he termed as unprecedented confrontational moves by the United States, as reported by state media on Thursday. Speaking at a key meeting of the ruling party, Kim outlined policy directions for the new year and emphasized the need for accelerated military readiness.
Kim also announced plans to expand strategic cooperation with "anti-imperialist independent" countries. North Korea has been strengthening ties with Russia, a move that coincides with Washington's accusations of Pyongyang supplying military equipment to Moscow for use in the conflict with Ukraine. Russia, in turn, provides technical support to enhance North Korea's military capabilities.
According to the official news agency KCNA, Kim "set forth the militant tasks for the People's Army and the munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defense sectors to further accelerate the war preparations."
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, responding to the heightened tensions, visited a frontline military unit and urged immediate and firm retaliation in the event of any provocation from North Korea.
Amidst the military focus, Kim also addressed economic goals for the new year, declaring it a "decisive year" for accomplishing the country's five-year development plan. He emphasized key tasks for pushing forward in key industrial sectors and stabilizing agricultural production.
North Korea has experienced food shortages in recent decades, exacerbated by natural disasters and border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although crop output was estimated to have increased in 2023 due to favorable weather conditions, it remains insufficient to address chronic food shortages in the country.
The directives were issued during the 9th plenary meeting of the 8th central committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, concluding a year marked by nuclear policy enshrinement in the constitution, the launch of a spy satellite, and the testing of a new intercontinental ballistic missile. The meeting traditionally serves to make key policy announcements, and Kim's speech is typically released on New Year's Day.
