North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for a “exponential” expansion of the atomic arsenal of the country during a visit to a nuclear plant recently put into operation, as reported this Thursday by the North Korean news agency KCNA. Kim said the country’s weapons-grade nuclear material production capacity “has more than doubled” in the past five years, adding that the priority is to “strengthen” nuclear forces “at an exponential rate.”
The president said that “existing threats that are getting worse at every moment, potential threats and unpredictable long-term crises highlight the urgency and responsibility” of strengthen “in a sustained and accelerated manner the nuclear deterrent capability”. “Consequently, it is our duty to continue expanding and strengthening state nuclear forces, the central axis of the strategy to deter and combat war, and to fully exercise the position of State with nuclear weapons,” he declared.
The North Korean leader visited the facilities the day before, accompanied by senior party officials, but KCNA did not reveal details about the location of the plant. However, the South Korean agency Yonhap pointed out that currently North Korea has facilities of uranium enrichment in three locations: Yongbyon, Kangson and Kusong; although it is unknown if the report suggests the existence of a fourth site.
At a key congress of ruling Workers’ Party held in February, Kim Jong-un maintained that the “firm and unbreakable” will of the country is “strengthen y enlarge even more nuclear forces of the State.
