[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of North Korea, attended the National Veterans Conference and delivered a speech, raising his voice that "we are fully prepared to respond to any situation or threat," but he did not mention the 'nuclear deterrent' referenced at last year's Veterans Conference.
On the 27th, at the 7th National Veterans Conference held in front of the Monument to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War in Pyongyang, General Secretary Kim stated, "Our revolutionary armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any changing situation or threat," according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 28th.
While emphasizing the importance of military power amid changing circumstances, he did not reach the level of mentioning a 'self-defensive nuclear deterrent' as he did last year.
This appears to take into account the Biden administration's North Korea policy based on dialogue and diplomacy, as well as the recent restoration of inter-Korean communication lines, which has created an atmosphere for inter-Korean talks.
General Secretary Kim said, "Today, the unprecedented global health crisis and the hardships and difficulties caused by prolonged lockdowns have become a severe trial comparable to wartime," but added, "Just as the victorious generation faced the greatest national crisis with the greatest courage and achieved the greatest victory and honor, our generation will also carry on that noble tradition and turn today's difficult moment into an even greater new victory."
He continued, "Even if greater hardships come on the journey to building a socialist power, we will never stop," adding, "We will inherit the heroic spirit of the victorious generation and relentlessly charge toward the set struggle goals."
This is interpreted as an intention to quell internal unrest in North Korean society caused by food shortages due to COVID-19 and lockdowns, and to achieve the self-reliance goals established at the 8th Party Congress based on the heroic spirit of the victorious generation.
General Secretary Kim also expressed gratitude toward the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, saying, "I pay the highest respect to the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army who shed their precious blood without hesitation in the Battle of the Imjin River, which repelled imperialist aggression during our nation's most difficult period, and send warm greetings to the veteran comrades of the volunteer army."
On this day, General Secretary Kim arrived at the conference hall and personally greeted war veterans, shaking their hands one by one and exchanging warm salutations. He said, "It is an immeasurable fortune and honor for our generation to frequently meet with the legendary heroes and living witnesses, the veteran comrades," praising the veterans' contributions.
Also present at the conference were Choe Ryong-hae, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly; Jo Yong-won, Secretary of the Workers' Party Organization; Kim Tok-hun, Premier of the Cabinet; Ri Il-hwan, Party Secretary; O Il-jong, Head of the Party's Military Guidance Department; Jong Kyong-thaek, Minister of State Security; Kim Yong-hwan, Secretary of the Pyongyang City Party Committee; along with senior military officials including Pak Jong-chon, Chief of the General Staff; Kwon Yong-jin, Director of the General Political Bureau; and Ri Yong-gil, Minister of Defense.
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