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Kim Jong Un Prioritizes Nuclear Buildup, Floats Conditional Thaw With U.S.

The pledge came at the close of the ruling party congress that doubled as a show of military resolve.

Overview

  • Kim said North Korea will expand both the number of nuclear warheads and the means to deliver them.
  • Planned developments include more capable intercontinental missiles, submarine-launched launchers and AI-enabled attack systems.
  • Pyongyang signaled it could ease tensions with the United States only if Washington respects North Korea’s nuclear status and ends what it calls a hostile policy.
  • Kim escalated rhetoric toward Seoul, labeling South Korea the most hostile enemy and warning of potential arbitrary measures.
  • The congress ended with a Pyongyang parade featuring units described as having fought alongside Russian forces in Ukraine and troops stationed near the South Korean border.