North Korean Leader Pledges to Expand Nuclear Arsenal in Response to Washington and Seoul's Drills

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has stated that his country needs to expand its nuclear weapons arsenal, arguing that the joint military drills between the United States and South Korea could ignite a war in the region. Kim's remarks were made while inspecting the 5,000-ton warship "Chieh Hyeong," at a time of rising regional tensions.

According to the official North Korean newspaper "Rodong Sinmun," as reported by "Newsweek," Kim Jong Un declared that the security environment around his country is "getting more dangerous day by day." This, he said, necessitates "a fundamental and rapid change in the existing military theory and practice and a rapid expansion of nuclear capabilities."

Kim described the military drills as "provocative and dangerous in nature," noting that their danger is compounded by the "recent planning to link them to a nuclear component." He added that the "intensification of the military alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea is the clearest manifestation of their will to ignite war and a source of threat to peace and security in the region."

The annual summer military drills between the U.S. and South Korean armies, which began last Monday, are part of a joint plan to enhance readiness against growing threats from North Korea. These exercises, which will last for 11 days, involve 21,000 soldiers, including 18,000 from South Korea, and include computer simulations and field training.

North Korea's Stance on the U.S. Nuclear Disarmament Plan

North Korea views the joint military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea as part of an American plan to increase pressure on Pyongyang, aiming to force it to abandon its nuclear program. North Korea sees these drills as a direct threat to its national security and sovereignty, which compels it to strengthen its nuclear capabilities rather than comply with disarmament plans.

Why Did North Korea Interpret the U.S. Drills This Way?

North Korea interprets the U.S. drills as a "hostile and provocative" act aimed at increasing tension on the Korean Peninsula. It argues that the drills are not merely defensive exercises but rather preparations for a potential war against it. Pyongyang uses these drills as a pretext to justify its continued development of nuclear weapons, which it considers a necessary deterrent for self-defense.

How Have the U.S.-South Korean Drills Become More Dangerous?

According to Kim Jong Un, the recent drills have become more dangerous due to "planning to link them to a nuclear component." This implies that the exercises include scenarios where nuclear weapons might be used, which raises the threat level for North Korea and poses a significant risk to regional stability.

Why Did the North Korean Leader Emphasize Strengthening Nuclear Deterrence?

Kim emphasizes strengthening nuclear deterrence because he considers it the only guarantee for his country's security against what he sees as increasing threats from the U.S. and its allies. He believes that possessing a powerful nuclear arsenal is the only way to deter any potential attack, whether conventional or nuclear, and to ensure the survival of his regime.

Why is North Korea Strengthening its Nuclear Armed Forces?

North Korea is strengthening its nuclear armed forces for multiple reasons: First, to respond to what it considers "hostile policies" by the U.S. and South Korea. Second, to enhance its military deterrence capabilities. And third, to use its nuclear program as leverage in international negotiations to obtain economic and political concessions.