28-12-2023 (PYONGYANG) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has directed the country’s military, munitions industry, and nuclear weapons sector to expedite war preparations in response to what he termed as unprecedented confrontational moves by the United States. The announcement was made on December 28, following Kim’s address on policy directions for the new year during a crucial meeting of North Korea’s ruling party on December 27, as reported by the state news agency KCNA.
Kim Jong Un emphasized the need to accelerate war preparations, outlining militant tasks for the People’s Army, munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defense sectors. The move comes amidst heightened tensions between North Korea and the US, with Kim characterizing the US actions as confrontational.
Additionally, Kim Jong Un announced plans to expand strategic cooperation with “anti-imperialist independent” countries. This move aligns with North Korea’s efforts to strengthen ties with nations like Russia. Washington has accused Pyongyang of supplying military equipment to Moscow for its conflict with Ukraine, while Russia provides technical support to enhance North Korea’s military capabilities.
In his address, Kim Jong Un also outlined economic goals for the new year, designating it as a “decisive year” to accomplish the country’s five-year development plan. The report from KCNA stated that Kim clarified important tasks for key industrial sectors and called for stabilizing agricultural production at a high level.
North Korea has faced chronic food shortages over the years, with severe famine in the 1990s. The Covid-19 pandemic further exacerbated food security issues due to border closures. While crop output in 2023 reportedly increased due to favorable weather conditions, it is still deemed insufficient to address the country’s persistent food shortages.
The recent developments come amid the 9th plenary meeting of the 8th central committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, which commenced on December 26. Throughout the assembly, party and government officials are expected to make key policy announcements, reflecting the isolated North’s strategic direction. This meeting follows a year in which North Korea enshrined its nuclear policy in its constitution, launched a spy satellite, and test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile.
