N. Korea stipulates nuclear force
North Korea has stipulated the policy of strengthening its nuclear force in the constitution at a key parliamentary meeting, as leader Kim Jong-un said trilateral security cooperation between South Korea, the United States, and Japan poses "the worst actual threat."
The decision was made at the ninth session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) held on Tuesday and Wednesday, with leader Kim's attendance, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
At the session, the North unanimously decided to "supplement Article 58 of Chapter 4 of the Socialist Constitution" to ensure the country's right to existence and development, deter war and protect regional and global peace by rapidly developing nuclear weapons to a higher level, Kim said.
"The DPRK's nuclear force-building policy has been made permanent as the basic law of the state, which no one is allowed to flout with anything. This is a historic event that provided a powerful political lever for remarkably strengthening the national defense capabilities," he said in a speech at the session, using the acronym of North Korea's official name.
At an SPA meeting in September last year, North Korea enacted a new nuclear law authorizing the preemptive use of nuclear arms, calling its status of a nuclear state "irreversible."
In the speech, Kim said the establishment of what he called the "triangular military alliance" between the US, South Korea, and Japan "finally resulted in the emergence of the 'Asian-version NATO,' the root cause of war and aggression."
"This is just the worst actual threat, not threatening rhetoric or an imaginary entity," he said.
Under a state policy to "physically remove" the North, Kim said the US also has "maximized its nuclear war threats by "resuming the large-scale nuclear war joint drills with clear aggressive nature and putting the deployment of its strategic nuclear assets near the Korean peninsula on a permanent basis."
He also said that the "Nuclear Consultative Group" between the US and South Korea is aimed at using nuclear weapons against the North. The NCG was established when Presidents Yoon Suk Yeol and Joe Biden held a summit in April. It is designed to discuss nuclear and strategic planning issues.
Kim also stressed the need to "exponentially" bolster the country's nuclear arsenal and diversify its nuclear strike capability as well as deployment with different branches and units of the armed forces.
Kim also vowed to strengthen solidarity with countries standing against the US.
His message came as North Korea has been seeking to bolster its ties with China and Russia vis-a-vis the strengthening of security cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo.
Joined by Russia's visiting defense minister and a senior Chinese official, the North's leader oversaw a military parade to mark its key anniversary in late July, a scene seen as intended to display solidarity among the three nations.
Earlier this month, Kim also traveled to Russia on his armored train for talks with Vladimir Putin amid concerns about a possible arms deal between the two nations.
The SPA is the highest organ of state power under the North's constitution, but it actually only rubber-stamps decisions by the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).
At the latest session, North Korea did not dismiss Premier Kim Tok-hun despite speculation that the North's leader may replace him over the poor response to flooding and storm damage from Tropical Storm Khanun in August.
The North Korean leader has strongly berated the premier and the Cabinet over their "irresponsible" attitude in failing to prevent flood damage and "spoiling" the country's economic plans.
However, Premier Kim has continued with his official duties, including an inspection of the agricultural sector in a provincial area, raising the possibility that he may remain in office.
At the SPA meeting, North Korea also renamed the National Aerospace Development Administration, an agency in charge of launching military spy satellites, to the National Aerospace Technology General Bureau.
The secretive regime earlier announced a plan to make a third attempt to launch a military spy satellite in October following its two failed attempts in May and August. (Yonhap)
(责任编辑:부동산)
下一篇:Whisky imports surge 40% through August, suggesting record
- ·한동훈, 체포안 설명 8분 넘기자…“짧게 합시다” “왜 이리 시끄럽냐”
- ·합의문도 없는 희한한 북·러 정상회담…결국 비즈니스 관계였나
- ·"KTX 꼭 타보고 싶다" 했던 김정은 "만족한 합의"…뭐길래
- ·Incheon Airport passenger traffic to recover during Chuseok holiday
- ·FSS issues advisories to fisheries cooperatives federation for W50b investment loss
- ·[이번 주 리뷰]美 Fed 기준금리 동결…이재명 체포동의안 가결(18~23일)
- ·야당 29명 반란, 이재명 방탄 뚫렸다
- ·Seoul's financial assistance for egg freezing receives attention from single women
- ·S. Korean refiners set for turnaround in Q3 on stronger margins
- ·Traffic jam expected to ease late Thursday, 1st day of Chuseok holiday
- ·탈북민단체, 대북전단 20만장 살포…"더 많은 정보, 계속 보낼 것"
- ·With teammate's help, inconsolable shooter regroups in time to win bronze
- ·[Bills in Focus] Eased land use within industrial complexes, tackling faulty construction
- ·S. Korean refiners set for turnaround in Q3 on stronger margins
- ·S. Korea to extend $5 mil worth of fertilizer aid to Ukraine via U.S. agency
- ·N. Korea decides to expel US soldier Travis King
- ·Expressways remain congested four days into Chuseok holidays
- ·Music festivals and concerts for the fall season
- ·N. Korea decides to expel US soldier Travis King
- ·N.Korea could use nuclear weapons at any stage of conflict: Pentagon
- ·Chuseok’s celestial journey: Best spots for full moon gazing in Seoul
- ·NewJeans hits 1 bln streams mark on Spotify with debut album
- ·[Bills in Focus] Eased land use within industrial complexes, tackling faulty construction
- ·Expressway traffic congestion persists on 2nd day of extended Chuseok holiday
- ·Diplomatic vehicle blessed for safety via Hindu ritual by S. Korean Embassy in India
- ·Diplomatic vehicle blessed for safety via Hindu ritual by S. Korean Embassy in India
- ·S. Korean industry minister visits Africa for World Expo bid, economic ties
- ·Jungkook of BTS sweeps iTunes’ Top Songs charts in 100 different regions