North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for heightened war readiness in response to what he perceives as unprecedented confrontational actions led by the United States, as reported by state media. This declaration comes as South Korea vows a robust response to any provocations from North Korea.
Kim’s remarks were made during a crucial political meeting that is responsible for setting state objectives for 2024. These comments suggest that North Korea is likely to continue conducting weapons tests to modernize its nuclear arsenal. Observers speculate that Kim aims to use this enhanced arsenal as leverage in potential diplomacy with Washington, potentially after the U.S. presidential election in November 2024.
During the second-day session of the ruling party’s plenary meeting held on Wednesday, Kim outlined tasks for the military and the munitions industry to accelerate preparations for war due to what he described as unprecedented confrontational actions by the U.S. and its allies. Kim also discussed expanding North Korea’s strategic cooperation with anti-imperialist nations amid the evolving geopolitical landscape, though specific details were not provided.
While the Workers’ Party meeting is expected to continue for several days, detailed discussions will likely be made public after its conclusion, anticipated to be on December 31. Experts believe that North Korea will make commitments and take steps to bolster its nuclear attack capabilities and enhance cooperation with Russia and China, both of which are engaged in separate confrontations with the U.S.
South Korea’s intelligence agency has expressed concerns that North Korea may engage in military provocations and cyberattacks leading up to South Korean parliamentary elections in April and the U.S. presidential election in November. The National Intelligence Service highlighted the recent elevation of senior North Korean military figures to key positions and past patterns of provocations during election periods.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for a swift and stern response to any North Korean provocations during a visit to a frontline army unit.
Experts suggest that limited clashes prompted by North Korean provocations along the tense Korean border could occur next year. North Korea is also expected to conduct test launches of intermediate-range missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and other weapons as part of its five-year military buildup plan initiated in 2021.
Topics discussed at the North Korean meeting may include plans to operate more spy satellites following the launch of its first military reconnaissance satellite in November. North Korea has expressed its intention to launch additional satellites to enhance its surveillance capabilities.
North Korea has conducted numerous missile tests since 2022 in violation of United Nations sanctions, including the launch of the advanced solid-fueled Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile on December 18. North Korea argues that these tests are conducted to address its security concerns stemming from U.S.-South Korean military exercises that it views as rehearsal for invasion.
Since the breakdown of diplomacy between Kim and then-President Donald Trump in 2019, North Korea has refrained from engaging in diplomatic talks with the U.S., with a key sticking point being the level of sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear concessions.
The U.S. has stated that it harbors no hostile intentions toward North Korea and remains committed to a diplomatic approach while maintaining its steadfast commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan.
