Kim Jong Un announces acceleration of North Korea's transformation into nuclear superpower
Photo: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (Getty Images)
North Korea will accelerate efforts to become a military superpower with nuclear weapons and does not rule out their use if attacked by enemies, according to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Kim Jong Un made this statement on Monday during a speech at a university, with the full text published by the state news agency KCNA.
He stated that he had no intention of attacking South Korea, but "if the enemy attempts to use force against our country," North Korea's military will use all aggression without hesitation, which "does not preclude the use of nuclear weapons."
Kim also called for a substantial strengthening of North Korea's defense.
North Korea's nuclear threats
Pyongyang has engaged in a nuclear weapons development program for decades. Recently, North Korea conducted at least six underground nuclear tests.
Recently, Kim Jong Un also stated that Pyongyang would use all weapons, including nuclear ones if the sovereignty of North Korea is threatened.
In September, the North Korean leader announced a readiness to increase nuclear bombs "exponentially."
In South Korea, there are concerns that North Korea is preparing for nuclear tests ahead of the US presidential elections.
