PYONGYANG, North Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for a major expansion of the country’s nuclear arsenal, urging officials to accelerate efforts to strengthen military capabilities with the stated goal of “overtaking the world” in nuclear power.
The remarks were made during a three-day plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, held from June 20 to June 22, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The meeting reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to expanding its nuclear forces, describing them as the foundation of the country’s military sovereignty and the centerpiece of its strategy to deter or wage war if necessary. Party officials argued that maintaining and strengthening North Korea’s status as a nuclear-armed state is the most effective way to confront what they described as an increasingly unpredictable international security environment.
According to KCNA, Kim directed authorities to pursue “more extensive, innovative and encouraging plans” based on the country’s nuclear technology and to continue increasing powerful defense assets “without pause” and with the aim of “overtaking the world.”
The announcement signals a continuation of North Korea’s long-standing policy of rapidly expanding its nuclear and missile programs. In recent years, Pyongyang has increased weapons testing, expanded facilities related to fissile material production, and repeatedly pledged to strengthen its nuclear deterrent.
During the meeting, officials also pledged to accelerate construction of a new 10,000-ton-class strategic guided missile cruiser, a major naval project first approved by the party earlier this year. Kim further emphasized the need to strengthen defenses along the border with South Korea and ordered continued development of military infrastructure, including new naval bases.
North Korea once again labeled South Korea its “most hostile” adversary and criticized the military alliance between Seoul and Washington. State media specifically condemned the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), a joint U.S.–South Korean mechanism designed to strengthen nuclear deterrence on the Korean Peninsula, accusing it of preparing for a potential attack on the North.
The plenary meeting also brought significant changes to the country’s political leadership. Senior party official Jo Yong Won was elected secretary of the party’s Central Committee, restoring him to one of the most influential positions in the government. Meanwhile, Kim Jae Ryong was removed from several top party posts amid an ongoing anti-corruption investigation involving military officials.
Beyond military issues, the meeting highlighted economic priorities, particularly the coal industry. Kim described modernization of the sector as a strategic national objective, calling for sweeping reforms to increase production and support long-term economic development.
The latest declarations underscore North Korea’s determination to simultaneously advance its military and economic goals while maintaining a confrontational stance toward the United States and South Korea. Analysts are likely to view Kim’s comments as one of the strongest public endorsements yet of continued nuclear expansion, raising concerns about future regional tensions and the prospects for denuclearization talks.
