Kim Jong-un slams Seoul for ‘aggravating’ tensions by pursuing nuclear submarines

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sharply criticized South Korea's efforts to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and the ongoing activities of a US-South Korea consultative body on nuclear operations. Kim asserted that these actions are "extremely aggravating" the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

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The US and the ROK are pushing forward with the ROK’s possession of a nuclear submarine while getting evermore undisguised in their moves towards the reinforcement and modernization of armed forces in the region.

During an enlarged plenary meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea's Central Committee, Kim reaffirmed Pyongyang's dedication to continuously expanding and enhancing its nuclear arsenal. He emphasized North Korea's firm stance as a nuclear weapons state, describing this as the "most correct and unique way to actively and confidently cope with the unpredictable international military and political situation." He specifically targeted the US and South Korea, stating their pursuit of a nuclear submarine for Seoul and their military reinforcement moves are escalating tensions.

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The US and the ROK are pushing forward with the ROK’s possession of a nuclear submarine while getting evermore undisguised in their moves towards the reinforcement and modernization of armed forces in the region.

Kim further condemned the US-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group, labeling it a "nuclear war body" aimed at attacking North Korea. He accused the group of pushing the peninsula "to the brink of a nuclear war." The North Korean leader stressed the importance of bolstering national defense capabilities, including the development of "proactive efforts to further expand and strengthen the powerful and absolutely reliable deterrent for self-defense."

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The US and the ROK are pushing forward with the ROK’s possession of a nuclear submarine while getting evermore undisguised in their moves towards the reinforcement and modernization of armed forces in the region.

State media reported that Kim also called for the expedited construction of a 10,000-tonnage strategic guided missile cruiser and the development of "powerful conventional weapons of great significance." He reiterated the ruling party's principle of viewing South Korea as "the most hostile state" and urged the acceleration of projects to fortify the southern border and establish new naval bases.

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to steadily expand and strengthen the nuclear forces and to thoroughly exercise the position of a nuclear weapons state was the most correct and unique way to actively and confidently cope with the unpredictable international military and political situation.