South Korea’s president warns North Korea is making enough nuclear material annually for 10-20 weapons while advancing long-range missile technology.
SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has warned that North Korea is producing enough nuclear fissile material annually for 10 to 20 weapons.
Lee made the assessment during a New Year news conference on Wednesday.
He stated the North is simultaneously continuing to advance its long-range ballistic missile technology designed to strike the US mainland.
“At some point, North Korea will have secured the nuclear arsenal it believes it needs to sustain the regime, along with ICBM capabilities capable of threatening not only the United States but the wider world,” Lee said.
He warned that once Pyongyang has an excess arsenal, it could export weapons beyond its borders, creating a global danger.
Lee advocated for a pragmatic approach to address the nuclear issue.
He suggested a suspension of nuclear material production and ICBM development, plus a halt to overseas arms exports, would be a significant gain for all parties.
The president noted he has presented this argument to both US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Since taking office in June, Lee has promoted unconditional dialogue with Pyongyang, diverging from his predecessor’s hardline policy.
North Korea has not responded to his outreach and recently accused Seoul of flying a drone into the border city of Kaesong.
Lee’s office denied government involvement but suggested civilian actors may have been responsible.
