North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has underlined his resolve to secure the “strongest national defense capabilities” in response to what he perceives as the United States’ hostile policies against Pyongyang.
According to state-run Rodong Sinmun on November 22, Kim argued that years of failed attempts to resolve tensions through negotiation have proven the United States’ unwillingness to change its stance or pursue genuine coexistence with North Korea.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Defense Development – 2024 arms exhibition, Kim stated, “We have already explored every possible avenue of negotiation with the United States, and the conclusion we have drawn is not a will for coexistence from the superpower but a persistent stance rooted in aggression and hostility toward North Korea.”
Kim’s remarks appear to dismiss the possibility of dialogue under a new U.S. administration, even with the potential return of former President Donald Trump, who previously engaged in historic summits with Kim. Observers believe Kim’s speech signals a clear rejection of any resumption of diplomatic engagement.
“The extreme tensions currently unfolding in the Korean Peninsula are not the result of misunderstandings but stem directly from the United States’ actions,” Kim said, placing responsibility for the worsening situation squarely on Washington.
Kim further emphasized that “overwhelming defense power capable of neutralizing any enemy” is the sole guarantee for peace and stability. He described this as a daily and constant realization driven by the “realities of our time.”
During his speech, Kim outlined tasks for modernizing North Korea’s military equipment in line with contemporary warfare.
“As long as forces threatening our sovereignty exist and our adversaries’ nefarious schemes persist, we must continue to upgrade and modernize our armed equipment to meet the demands of our security environment and the lessons drawn from modern battlefields,” he said.
Kim added that North Korea aims to adapt its military strategy to the evolving nature of modern warfare and the increasingly dangerous tactics of its adversaries. “We will enhance our self-defense capabilities offensively and without limits, modernize our military technologically, and equip our forces with more powerful means to address these challenges,” he added.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
