Accusing United States of unprecedented “confrontational actions”, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the military, including its nuclear program, to accelerate war preparations, Reuters reported. Speaking at a key meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party, Kim said Pyongyang would expand its strategic collaboration with “anti-imperialist independent” nations.
“He (Kim) outlined the militant tasks for the People’s Army, munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defence sectors to intensify war preparations,” news agency KCNA reported.
North Korea has strengthened its alliances with various nations, including Russia amid what Kim has called “unprecedented” anti-North confrontations with the US. The US, on the other hand, has suggested that the North was supplying military equipment to Russia for use in its conflict with Ukraine.
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Calling 2024 a “decisive year” to accomplish the country’s five-year development plan, Kim Jong Un also charted economic goals for the country. Kim clarified the important tasks for the new year to be “vigorously pursued in key industrial sectors” and emphasised the need for “stabilising agricultural production at a high level,” Reuters reported, citing state media.
North Korea has grappled with severe food shortages, with a significant famine occurring in the 1990s, often exacerbated by natural disasters. The closure of borders during the COVID-19 pandemic had further aggravated food insecurity in the country. As per Reuters, North Korea’s crop output was estimated to have increased year-on-year in 2023 due to favourable weather conditions. However, a Seoul official stated that the amount was still well below what is required to address the country’s chronic food shortage.
The 9th plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea began on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a year characterised by significant events for the isolated nation. During this period, North Korea integrated its nuclear policy into its Constitution, conducted a satellite launch for espionage purposes, and test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile.