North Korea’s Kim calls for rapid nuclear buildup

Summary

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calls for rapid expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal in response to US-South Korea joint military exercises, which Pyongyang views as provocative.

Key Points
  • Kim Jong Un called for a rapid expansion of North Korea's nuclear armament due to perceived threats from US-South Korea military exercises.
  • The US and South Korea have begun 11-day joint military drills called Ulchi Freedom Shield, which include testing upgraded responses to North Korean nuclear threats.
  • Kim described the exercises as a clear expression of hostility and confrontation towards North Korea.
  • North Korea plans to build a third 5,000-tonne Choe Hyon-class destroyer and is testing cruise and anti-air missiles for these warships.
Article image