North Korea plans to grow nuclear stockpile: Reasons behind timing

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that the security situation around the country is becoming increasingly serious each day, requiring radical and rapid changes in military theory and practice, as well as an accelerated expansion of the nuclear weapons arsenal.

He called the annual joint US-South Korea military exercises a display of hostile and confrontational attitudes by the allies toward North Korea. Kim Jong Un noted that these exercises have always been provocative and dangerous, but their seriousness is growing because they are increasingly planning military coordination involving nuclear elements.

“The prevailing situation requires us to make a radical and swift change in the existing military theory and practice and rapid expansion of nuclearization,” he emphasized.

The North Korean dictator also drew attention to the development of the navy, stating that very soon the Korean People’s Navy will become strong and will fulfill its role as part of the country’s nuclear forces.

“The most reliable and steadfast way and guarantee for controlling and keeping the security environment of the region and firmly defending the sovereignty and security of the DPRK are only to make enemies afraid of the DPRK, he said, adding that such view of the DPRK on controlling the situation and the national defence strategy will remain unchanged,” he stressed.

Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that North Korea conducted mortar drills ahead of the US-South Korea joint exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield.

Pyongyang warned the two countries of negative consequences in the event of any provocation crossing the border line.

North Korea also aims to legally enshrine the hostile status of South Korea. The deputy director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, stated that the Republic of Korea constantly threatens North Korea’s security and called the country a loyal servant and ally of the US.