North Korea's Upcoming Nuclear and Conventional Military Policy Announcement

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to unveil a policy aimed at advancing both the country's nuclear arsenal and conventional military capabilities during the upcoming Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, expected in 2026. This announcement was made during recent inspections of military research facilities, including the Academy of Defense Science's Armored Defense Weapon Research Institute and the Electronic Weapons Research Institute. Kim emphasized the need for a "parallel policy of nuclear and conventional forces" to enhance national defense.

NK NewsKim Jong Un: "Parallel Policy of Nuclear and Conventional Forces to Be Proposed at 9th Party Congress"N. Korean Leader to Announce Policy on Pursuit of Nuclear Forces, Conventional Weapons at Party CongressJapan TimesN.Korean leader to simultaneously boost nuclear and conventional armed forcesKim Jong Un says North Korea to unveil nuclear strategy at key party meetingReutersThe Kim Jong Un era: Why wishful thinking won’t work anymore

Since the failed summit with the United States in 2019, North Korea has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to its nuclear weapons program, declaring itself an "irreversible" nuclear state. This policy shift comes in the wake of Kim's high-profile meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which have bolstered his international standing. The announcement also coincides with heightened tensions in the region, particularly regarding a planned military exercise by the United States and South Korea, which North Korea has labeled a "nuclear war drill."

Kim Jong Un says North Korea to unveil nuclear strategy at key party meetingJapan TimesReutersThe Kim Jong Un era: Why wishful thinking won’t work anymoreN.Korean leader to simultaneously boost nuclear and conventional armed forcesNK NewsN. Korean Leader to Announce Policy on Pursuit of Nuclear Forces, Conventional Weapons at Party CongressKim Jong Un: "Parallel Policy of Nuclear and Conventional Forces to Be Proposed at 9th Party Congress"

During his recent inspections, Kim Jong Un observed various military drills, including a live-fire exercise by sniper units, and reviewed advancements in armored vehicle technology. He noted that the combat capabilities of North Korea's armed forces have significantly improved, particularly through the development of special composite armor and an intelligent active protection system designed to counter anti-tank missiles. These developments are seen as part of North Korea's broader strategy to modernize its military in response to perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies.

Kim Jong Un: "Parallel Policy of Nuclear and Conventional Forces to Be Proposed at 9th Party Congress"N. Korean Leader to Announce Policy on Pursuit of Nuclear Forces, Conventional Weapons at Party CongressN.Korean leader to simultaneously boost nuclear and conventional armed forcesKim Jong Un says North Korea to unveil nuclear strategy at key party meetingNK NewsReutersThe Kim Jong Un era: Why wishful thinking won’t work anymoreJapan Times

Critics of Kim's policy announcement argue that the focus on expanding military capabilities, particularly nuclear weapons, exacerbates regional tensions and undermines prospects for peace. The upcoming U.S.-South Korea military exercises have drawn sharp criticism from North Korea, which views them as provocations that justify its own military advancements. Observers express concern that this dual focus on nuclear and conventional forces could lead to an arms race in the region.

N.Korean leader to simultaneously boost nuclear and conventional armed forces

In a statement reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un asserted, "At the upcoming 9th Party Congress, a parallel policy of nuclear and conventional forces will be presented in the field of national defense construction." This reflects a commitment to enhancing North Korea's military capabilities in the face of external pressures.

Kim Jong Un says North Korea to unveil nuclear strategy at key party meetingReutersJapan TimesNK NewsN.Korean leader to simultaneously boost nuclear and conventional armed forcesThe Kim Jong Un era: Why wishful thinking won’t work anymoreN. Korean Leader to Announce Policy on Pursuit of Nuclear Forces, Conventional Weapons at Party CongressKim Jong Un: "Parallel Policy of Nuclear and Conventional Forces to Be Proposed at 9th Party Congress"

• “the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea would put forward the policy of simultaneously pushing forward the building of nuclear forces and conventional armed forces in the field of building up national defence” — Kim Jong Un, North Korean Leader

Reuters

• “With the successful development and deployment of directional infrared and electronic jamming equipment, active protection systems, and passive defense measures, the combat power of our armored forces is being greatly strengthened.” — Kim Jong Un, North Korean Leader

Kim Jong Un: "Parallel Policy of Nuclear and Conventional Forces to Be Proposed at 9th Party Congress"

As North Korea prepares for the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, the international community will be closely monitoring developments in Pyongyang's military policy. The outcomes of this congress could have significant implications for regional security dynamics and diplomatic relations, particularly with the United States and South Korea.

Kim Jong Un says North Korea to unveil nuclear strategy at key party meeting