Kim Jong Un Calls for ‘Unlimited’ Nuclear Expansion

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has criticized the United States for its military cooperation with South Korea and Japan and called for an “unlimited” expansion of North Korea’s military nuclear program. This is the first direct condemnation of the U.S. from the North Korean leader since the 2020 presidential election.

US Military Cooperation Condemned

In a conference with military officials, Kim Jong Un expressed his disapproval of the U.S. for updating its nuclear deterrence strategies with South Korea and strengthening its tripartite military cooperation with Japan. He described this as an “Asian NATO” that contributes to increased tension and instability in the region.

Criticism over Ukraine

Kim also criticized the U.S. for its support of Ukraine in the ongoing Russian invasion. He accused Washington and its Western allies of using Ukraine as a battleground to wage war against Moscow and extend the U.S. military sphere of influence.

Ties with Russia

The North Korean leader has been forging stronger ties with Russia, positioning themselves as a united front against the West. He has used the conflict in Ukraine to justify the rapid development of North Korea’s nuclear forces, which include various nuclear-capable systems targeting South Korea and intercontinental ballistic missiles that can reach the U.S.

Nuclear Talks Suspended

Kim Jong Un did not mention former President Trump during the conference. Despite meeting Trump three times during his presidency, disagreements over U.S. sanctions and North Korea’s nuclear and missile program led to the collapse of their diplomacy. This resulted in North Korea suspending any significant talks with Washington and Seoul.

Increased Pressure on South Korea

In the midst of stalled nuclear negotiations with Washington, Kim Jong Un has increased pressure on South Korea, abandoning the long-standing goal of inter-Korean reconciliation. He has also threatened to attack South Korea with nuclear weapons if provoked and has engaged in psychological and electronic warfare, including launching balloons to drop garbage on South Korea and disrupting GPS signals in border areas near South Korea’s largest airport.

Changing Regional Security and Geopolitical Context

While the North Korean nuclear issue stood alone during Trump’s first term, it is now linked to broader challenges posed by Russia’s war against Ukraine. This situation is further complicated by the weakened enforcement of sanctions against Pyongyang. The North Korean issue is now enmeshed in a complex geopolitical context, making a quick return to the 2018 conditions unlikely.