North Korean leader refers to 'rapid expansion of nuclearization'
Tuesday's edition of North Korea's ruling party newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, says Kim on Monday paid a visit to a new destroyer launched in April. He is said to have observed an operational test of the vessel's weapons system.
The report says Kim called the US-South Korea military drills "the most obvious manifestation of their will to ignite a war." He also described them as "the source of destroying the peace and security environment in the region."
Kim is quoted as saying the security environment around North Korea is getting more serious by the day. He noted the prevailing situation requires Pyongyang to make a "rapid expansion of nuclearization."
US and South Korean troops began their joint drills on Monday to prepare for a possible contingency on the Korean Peninsula. However, about half their field training exercises have been postponed until next month.
Observers see this as a goodwill gesture by the administration of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, which is seeking to resume dialogue with the North.
Still, US and South Korean forces are stepping up their vigilance as Pyongyang has not ruled out taking countermeasures in response to the joint drills.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Japan Times
9 hours ago
- Japan Times
Trump targets the Smithsonian again, says it focuses too much on how bad slavery was
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday he will pressure the Smithsonian Institution — a premier museum, education and research complex for U.S. history and culture — to accept his demands, just like he did with colleges and universities by threatening to cut federal funding. In a social media post, Trump complained about what he called excessive focus on "how bad Slavery was." "I have instructed my attorneys to go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made," Trump said on Truth Social.
NHK
a day ago
- NHK
North Korean leader refers to 'rapid expansion of nuclearization'
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reacted sharply to the start of joint military exercises by the United States and South Korea. He says the severe regional security environment will require Pyongyang to rapidly arm itself with nuclear weapons. Tuesday's edition of North Korea's ruling party newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, says Kim on Monday paid a visit to a new destroyer launched in April. He is said to have observed an operational test of the vessel's weapons system. The report says Kim called the US-South Korea military drills "the most obvious manifestation of their will to ignite a war." He also described them as "the source of destroying the peace and security environment in the region." Kim is quoted as saying the security environment around North Korea is getting more serious by the day. He noted the prevailing situation requires Pyongyang to make a "rapid expansion of nuclearization." US and South Korean troops began their joint drills on Monday to prepare for a possible contingency on the Korean Peninsula. However, about half their field training exercises have been postponed until next month. Observers see this as a goodwill gesture by the administration of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, which is seeking to resume dialogue with the North. Still, US and South Korean forces are stepping up their vigilance as Pyongyang has not ruled out taking countermeasures in response to the joint drills.
NHK
a day ago
- NHK
Former diplomat Lee Hyuk tapped as South Korea's ambassador to Japan
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's administration is set to appoint former diplomat Lee Hyuk as ambassador to Japan. The 67-year-old Lee has worked three times at South Korea's embassy in Japan as secretary and minister. He also served as head of the Foreign Ministry's Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau. He is known as a "Japan hand" having dealt with policies on Japan for many years. Lee is expected to assume the post with Japan's consent. In May this year, Lee wrote on South Korea's relations with Japan for leading South Korean newspaper, JoongAng Ilbo. He noted that while responding clearly and strictly on historical issues, it is separately time for Seoul to start full-fledged exchanges toward the future with Tokyo. On Saturday, President Lee is to start his first visit to Japan since taking office. He has repeatedly expressed his intension to develop ties with Japan, mainly on the economy. Lee Hyuk is expected to serve as a bridge between the two countries. South Korean media are reporting that Kang Kyung-wha, who served as foreign minister under former President Moon Jae-in's administration, will be appointed as ambassador to the United States.
