Kim labels South Korea ‘enemy’, strengthens nuclear forces

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has declared that the country will permanently strengthen its nuclear forces and will treat South Korea as its most hostile state. He described Pyongyang’s nuclear status as irreversible and stressed the need to further develop its deterrent, according to the state-run KCNA news agency.

Kim rejected the possibility of exchanging nuclear disarmament for economic benefits or security guarantees. He said nuclear weapons deterred war and allowed the country to focus on economic development.

‘The current world reality, where the dignity and rights of sovereign states are ruthlessly violated by unilateral force and violence, clearly shows what the real guarantee of a state’s existence and peace is,’ he said.

He also accused the United States and its allies of destabilising the region by deploying strategic weapons.

He adopted a hard line towards South Korea and warned that any attempt to undermine Pyongyang’s sovereignty would be met without restraint. His remarks point to a further deterioration in relations between the two countries.

In parallel, he outlined economic priorities, including a five-year plan to modernise industry, increase energy and food production, and expand housing. At the same time, parliament approved the 2026 budget, which envisages an increase in defence spending to 15.8 per cent of total expenditure.

(reuters, max)