During the recent conclusion of the Korean Workers' Party Congress, Kim Jong-un stated that if the United States withdraws its hostile policy towards North Korea, there may be an opportunity for improved relations.
The Korean Central News Agency reported the conclusion of the Korean Workers' Party Congress, which began on the 19th and ended on the 25th. In his address, Kim Jong-un emphasized the importance of strengthening North Korea's nuclear capabilities while also expressing a conditional willingness to improve relations with the United States if the U.S. retracted its policy of hostility. He warned of being fully prepared for confrontation but held out the prospect of diplomatic engagement if conditions changed.
Kim's statements included a sharp critique of South Korea, which he labeled as the 'most hostile' entity and made clear his disdain for any notion of familial connection with the South. He emphasized the ideological divide and suggested that South Korea has been permanently excluded from the category of 'kin.' This reflects the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and underscores the challenges that continue to hinder any rapprochement efforts between the two Koreas.
Furthermore, Kim reiterated the development of North Korea's nuclear arsenal as a crucial aspect of national security, asserting that it guarantees not only the country’s safety but also its interests and right to progress. He noted that efforts would be intensified to increase the number of nuclear weapons and expand nuclear operational capabilities, signaling little room for compromise in North Korea's defense strategy. This ongoing rhetoric raises concerns internationally about the implications for regional security and potential arms escalation.
