Fear of War mounts as North Korea accelerate Military preparation
On Thursday, state media reported that North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has directed the country’s military, munitions industry, and nuclear weapons sector to expedite preparations for war in response to what he described as unprecedented confrontational actions by the U.S. Kim, addressing the policy directions for the upcoming year at a crucial meeting of the ruling party on Wednesday, also announced plans to enhance strategic collaboration with “anti-imperialist independent” nations, according to the news agency KCNA.
As part of the new directives, Kim outlined militant tasks for the People’s Army, munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defense sectors, urging them to intensify their readiness for potential conflict, as stated by KCNA. Concurrently, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a frontline military unit in the eastern county of Yeoncheon on Thursday to assess its defense posture, emphasizing an immediate and resolute response to any provocations from North Korea.
Additionally, during the party plenum, Kim unveiled economic objectives for the coming year, characterizing it as a “decisive year” for achieving the country’s five-year development plan, as reported by KCNA. He specified crucial tasks for advancing key industrial sectors and stressed the need to maintain agricultural production at a high level.
Multiple challenges for Kim
North Korea has faced persistent food shortages over the years, exacerbated by factors such as natural disasters and, more recently, the impact of COVID-19-related border closures. Although crop output in 2023 reportedly increased due to favorable weather conditions, it remains insufficient to address the nation’s chronic food deficiencies, according to a Seoul official.
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The 9th plenary meeting of the 8th central committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea commenced on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a year in which North Korea enshrined its nuclear policy in the constitution, launched a spy satellite, and test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile. These significant policy announcements have traditionally been made through state media on New Year’s Day following the days-long assembly of party and government officials.