In a recent announcement from North Korea, leader Kim Jong Un has directed the country’s military, munitions industry, and nuclear weapons sector to expedite war preparations. This move comes in response to what Kim perceives as unprecedented confrontational actions by the United States, as reported by state media on Thursday.
During a crucial meeting of the ruling party on Wednesday, Kim outlined policy directions for the new year. He emphasized the need to expand strategic cooperation with “anti-imperialist independent” countries. Kim set forth militant tasks for the People’s Army, munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defense sectors to intensify their war preparations, according to the state news agency KCNA.
North Korea has been strengthening its ties with Russia and other nations, while the U.S. accuses Pyongyang of supplying military equipment to Moscow for its conflict with Ukraine. Concurrently, Russia provides technical support to enhance North Korea’s military capabilities.
Aside from military concerns, Kim also outlined economic goals for the new year. Describing it as a “decisive year,” he highlighted the importance of achieving the country’s five-year development plan. The leader specified key tasks for advancing the nation’s key industrial sectors and emphasized the need to stabilize agricultural production at a high level.
The isolated nation, grappling with a history of food shortages, has faced challenges exacerbated by border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although North Korea’s crop output increased in 2023 due to favorable weather conditions, it remains insufficient to address the country’s chronic food shortages.
The 9th plenary meeting of the 8th central committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, which began on Tuesday, marked the conclusion of a year that saw North Korea enshrine its nuclear policy in its constitution, launch a spy satellite, and test a new intercontinental ballistic missile. Traditionally used to make key policy announcements, this assembly of party and government officials is closely watched for insights into North Korea’s future direction.
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