North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vows to permanently strengthen nuclear forces, designates South Korea as the most hostile state and outlines a new economic plan.
SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared the country’s status as a nuclear power irreversible. He vowed to permanently strengthen its “self-defensive nuclear deterrent” in a major policy speech.
Kim told the Supreme People’s Assembly that nuclear weapons were essential for national security and economic development. He rejected any notion of trading disarmament for economic benefits or security guarantees.
The leader stated that possessing nuclear forces had deterred war and allowed resources to focus on growth. He accused the United States and its allies of destabilising the region with strategic nuclear deployments.
Kim explicitly designated South Korea as the “most hostile state”. He warned that any infringement on North Korea’s sovereignty would be met “mercilessly without hesitation or restraint”.
This marks a continued hardening of Pyongyang’s stance toward Seoul. Kim has moved to redefine relations as between two hostile states, abandoning decades of policy seeking peaceful reunification.
Alongside security policy, Kim outlined economic priorities centred on a new five-year plan. He called for modernising industry and boosting production in electricity, coal and food.
North Korea’s heavily sanctioned economy suffers chronic shortages. Much of the population remains dependent on state rations and informal markets.
The parliamentary session adopted constitutional amendments and passed legislation endorsing the new economic plan. Lawmakers also approved a state budget for 2026.
Defence spending was set at 15.8% of total expenditure. Funding was explicitly allocated to expanding nuclear deterrence and war-fighting capabilities.
The assembly received a congratulatory message from Russian President Vladimir Putin. He praised Kim’s leadership and pledged to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang.
