North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has urged an expansion of the country's nuclear capabilities during a visit to a nuclear weapons institute and a production facility, state media KCNA reported Wednesday. His call for increased nuclear weapon production comes as North Korea escalates military demonstrations amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to office.
During his visit, Kim praised scientists for their "remarkable successes" and was briefed on the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials and future plans for 2025 and beyond. He emphasized that 2024 is a critical year for enhancing North Korea’s nuclear strength, citing "the world's most unstable security situation" as justification for expansion.
Pyongyang maintains that its nuclear program is necessary to deter threats from the United States and its allies. Analysts estimate that North Korea has produced enough fissile material to build up to 90 nuclear warheads.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service suggested North Korea’s recent missile tests were intended to display its nuclear deterrence and attract Trump’s attention. Trump, who held historic meetings with Kim during his first term, has expressed willingness to engage again.
The Biden administration had pursued denuclearization talks with little success, but Trump's renewed approach remains unclear. During Senate confirmation hearings, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged past talks had limits but noted that Kim had halted missile tests. Meanwhile, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed Trump remains committed to North Korea’s "complete denuclearization."
South Korea insists that denuclearization must be the focus of any diplomatic efforts, while Pyongyang appears intent on strengthening its nuclear arsenal. The White House has yet to comment on North Korea’s latest developments.