Kim Jong Un Hails 'Strategic Importance Of Major Weapons' While Touring North Korean Arms Factories

Increasing global criticism over North Korea’s arms transfers with Russia has not deterred the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, from inspecting local arms factories.

What Happened: The North Korean leader recently toured munitions production facilities. Kim identified areas of concern in the production process, stressing the need for improvement and underlining the “strategic importance of the production of major weapons,” Reuters reported.

This tour comes while almost 50 nations are criticizing Russia for acquiring and using North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, confirmed that the issue would be discussed at the U.N. Security Council.

See Also: Donald Trump Suggests Supreme Court Justices He Appointed Could ‘Go Out Of Their Way’ To Hurt Him In Colo

In addition, Kim Jong Un has named South Korea the state “most hostile” to North Korea, accusing it of fueling an arms race and confrontation. He urged North Korea to enhance its military capabilities for self-defense and its nuclear war deterrent.

Why It Matters: Kim’s actions fit into a broader pattern of recent military escalation. Before this, his regime engaged in over 200 rounds of coastal artillery fire, leading South Korea to evacuate civilians from Yeonpyeong Island. This action was a direct violation of the 2018 Inter-Korean Military Agreement that established a maritime buffer zone to prevent sea-based conflicts.

Earlier this month, Kim also ordered the North Korean military to “thoroughly annihilate” South Korea and the U.S. if provoked. This decision came after a year of increased alliance between South Korea and the U.S. and an escalation in North Korea’s weapons testing program.

Furthermore, North Korea has reportedly shipped its latest nuclear-capable missiles to Russia, with Kim Jong Un set to receive substantial compensation. These actions have raised global concerns, leading to increased scrutiny of North Korea’s military activities.

Read Next: Trump Vs. Biden: Swing State Polls Show One Candidate Firmly Ahead Amid Voters’ Economic Anxiety — But RF

Image Via Shutterstock