North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that North Korea would continue to improve its nuclear arsenal and that it was “essential for national security, economic development, and regional stability.” He told the Supreme People’s Assembly that the country’s nuclear status was “irreversible” and that it would not trade disarmament for economic and security assistance. Kim Jong Un stated that the unstable nature of the world and the fact that other countries had intervened in the affairs of North Korea, referencing the United States, had led him to believe that nuclear weapons were the only way to guarantee the sovereignty of the country. He also stated that South Korea was the “most hostile state” and that if it violated the sovereignty of North Korea, it would face “overwhelming retaliation.” This is a drastic change from North Korea’s past stance, which sought peaceful unification with South Korea. Kim Jong Un also stated that the government had a five-year economic plan that would focus on the development of industry, energy production, agriculture, and housing. The government also approved a budget for the year 2026 that would spend nearly 16% of the money on the military and the development of the nuclear arsenal. The session also focused on the increased relations with Russia.
Kim Jong Un’s statements have significantly increased tensions in East Asia. The fact that North Korea has stated that it will continue to improve its nuclear arsenal makes it clear that the chances for denuclearization talks in the future are slim. South Korea and its allies, such as Japan, may feel the need to improve their military arsenals or seek help from the United States. Kim Jong Un’s labeling of South Korea as an enemy also makes it clear that the chances of conflict with South Korea are higher now than ever before. This is a drastic change from the past and the efforts that had been put into making the Korean Peninsula a peaceful place. Kim Jong Un’s policy direction also makes it clear that the chances of conflict between North Korea and the United States and Russia are higher now than ever before.