Kim Jong Un promises to expand his nuclear arsenal

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to beef up his nuclear arsenal at “breakneck speed,” and has threatened to use it.

During a military parade including a long-range missile and other weaponry, the supreme commander addressed soldiers and the people, saying, “We will continue to take measures aimed at strengthening and growing our country’s nuclear forces at the fastest possible pace.”

His words, made in front of a gathering audience at Pyongyang square, imply that he will pursue provocative missile tests in order to force the US and other adversaries for concessions.

The parade was held to commemorate the 90th anniversary of North Korea’s army, which serves as the backbone of the Kim family’s totalitarian authority, and comes as the country struggles with pandemic-related issues while seeking respite from US-led sanctions imposed over its nuclear aspirations.

Our nuclear forces’ primary goal is to deter conflict, but if an adverse circumstance arises on our soil, our nuclear forces cannot be restricted to a sole objective of averting war,” Mr Kim added.

“If any forces, no matter who they are, try to encroach on our core interests, our nuclear forces will have no option but to carry out their unanticipated second mission.”

According to the official Korean Central News Agency, the parade featured marching troops and a variety of contemporary armaments, including a missile capable of reaching the United States, as well as tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery pieces, and multiple rocket launchers.

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