Pyongyang: North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported today that Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un visited a newly commissioned nuclear facility and ordered a dramatic, "exponential" expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal.
According to Thai News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stated that the country's capacity to produce nuclear materials of weapons-grade quality has more than doubled compared to five years ago. He also ordered relevant officials to accelerate production even further to achieve the country's long-term strategic goals. During the inspection, Kim received a briefing on a new production process utilizing advanced technology and reviewed current production targets and future plans.
Photographs released by North Korean state media show Kim Jong-un inspecting rows of cylindrical machinery inside the plant. Military analysts suggest that the structure and equipment may indicate that the plant is located within the Yongbyon Nuclear Center, the country's main nuclear facility.
Kim emphasized that such an expansion of production capacity is necessary amidst escalating security threats and a long-term confrontation with what he calls his most ferocious enemies. He also reaffirmed the country's policy of continuously strengthening its nuclear deterrence capabilities.
The Korean Central News Agency further reported that a crucial consultative meeting on nuclear armament was held on the same day. North Korea's supreme leader outlined a course of action to accelerate the expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal, both in quantity and quality. He stated that the country has established steps and safety measures for this ambitious future plan to strengthen the state's nuclear forces at an exponential rate. This move is considered a historic event and a significant milestone in North Korea's leap forward in its nuclear capabilities.