On-site Guidance at Nuclear Material Production Base and Research Institute
Just Six Days After Trump Expressed Willingness for Dialogue
Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, maintained a hardline stance of infinitely strengthening the nuclear response posture without responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's signal to resume dialogue.
Korean Central News Agency reported on the 29th that Chairman Kim conducted on-site guidance at nuclear material production sites and nuclear weapons research institutes, specifically understanding the current status of nuclear material production, future plans, and the 2025 plans for the nuclear weapons research institute. The exact dates and locations of the visits were not disclosed.
During the on-site guidance, Kim stated that in order to prepare for the current "threats" and "new and prospective security risks" and to guarantee the nation's sovereignty, interests, and right to development, the "continuous strengthening of the nuclear shield" is "indispensable." He further asserted, "Evolving our country's nuclear response posture without limits is a firm political and military position we must uphold, an unchanging noble duty, and our responsibility."
He emphasized this stance by claiming that the security environment North Korea faces is "the most unstable in the world and long-term confrontation with the most cunning hostile countries is inevitable."
However, by not specifically naming who the 'cunning hostile countries' are, he moderated the intensity of the message aimed at the United States.
Kim said, "The absolute power to thoroughly suppress enemies and proactively control the situation is not any declaration or slogan but the actual stockpile and exponential increase of available physical force," and instructed, "We must further raise the current heightened momentum, exceed the nuclear material production plan, and achieve groundbreaking results in strengthening the country's nuclear shield."
Additionally, Kim described nuclear technology capabilities as "the incomparable pride of our Party, state, and people and a symbol of our proud spirit," and argued, "Peace through strength and security through strength are the most fair and just methods, choices, and principles of our struggle."
Kim also emphasized that the five-year tasks presented at this year's 8th Party Congress for the nuclear weapons research and production sector must be perfectly fulfilled, calling this year "a critical turning point in the process of carrying out the nuclear force line."
Accompanying Kim during the on-site guidance were Hong Seung-mu, First Deputy Director of the Party Central Committee, and leading officials from related sectors. Kim's on-site guidance and remarks came just six days after President Trump expressed willingness to resume talks with Kim, indicating that North Korea intends not to engage in dialogue for the time being, accelerate the nuclear force strengthening line, and continue a kind of 'show of strength.'
Meanwhile, Korean Central News Agency did not disclose the specific location of the nuclear material production site visited by Kim. However, based on photos from North Korean media reports, the interior facilities such as walls and flooring differ from the 'nuclear material production facility' revealed in September last year, suggesting it may be a different building within the same facility or an entirely different complex. Previously, the National Intelligence Service reported to the National Assembly that the uranium enrichment facility first revealed by North Korea in September last year is presumed to be the Kangson complex near Pyongyang.
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