Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, reaffirmed on the 8th that the United States is behind the conflicts occurring not only on the Korean Peninsula but also around the world, stating that he would strengthen nuclear forces.
On this day, during a visit to the Ministry of Defense to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Army, Kim Jong Un noted that "The strategic nuclear means and the practice drills of U.S.-led bilateral and multilateral nuclear war simulations occurring at a real combat level, and the U.S.-Japan-South Korea three-party military alliance that has been structured according to the script of U.S. regional military blocks, as well as the formation of an Asian version of NATO, are fundamental factors that cause military imbalance in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia and create a new confrontation structure," according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 9th.
He continued, "The correct response to those who glorify power is to speak to them in a language that only they can understand," and stated that while he does not wish to see unnecessary escalation of tensions in the regional situation, he would seek to provide continuous countermeasures to ensure military balance in the region aimed at preventing a new war and guaranteeing collateral for peace and safety in the Korean Peninsula.
Kim Jong Un said, "The looming shadow of the United States behind the various conflicts and bloodshed in the world proves that our party and government's line aimed at building unlimited defensive capabilities is the most just."
He also stated that the responsibility for the war in Ukraine lies with the United States, expressing serious concern over the reckless actions of the U.S. and the Western bloc that are deliberately fostering the prolonged nature of the war from an unrealistic delusion of inflicting strategic defeat on Russia.
Kim Jong Un also stated, "Our military and people will invariably support and stand by the just cause of the Russian military and people to safeguard their sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity in accordance with the spirit of the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia."
According to the reports, Kim Jong Un mentioned a series of new planned projects aimed at accelerating the strengthening of all deterrent forces, including nuclear capabilities, reaffirming a firm policy to further enhance nuclear forces. However, he did not specify what the 'new plan for strengthening nuclear capabilities' entails.
Accompanying Kim Jong Un's visit to the Ministry of Defense were major commanders of the Ministry of Defense, including Minister of Defense No Kwang Chul, Director of the General Political Bureau of the People's Army Jong Kyung Taek, and Chief of the General Staff of the People's Army Ri Yong Gil.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump, during a press conference after his first summit with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on the 7th (local time), said that if he gets along well with North Korea, it will be "an enormous asset to everyone," adding, "We will establish a relationship with North Korea and Kim Jong Un." This shows his willingness to pursue U.S.-North Korea summit diplomacy again.
Along with this, President Trump stated that he is still committed to efforts to ensure safety and stability on the Korean Peninsula, revealing his determination to respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
In a joint statement, the United States and Japan stated that "the two leaders expressed serious concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and reaffirmed their firm commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea," and confirmed that trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan is important to address North Korea and maintain regional peace and prosperity. This is the first time the second Trump administration has included North Korea's complete denuclearization in a joint statement.