North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared that his country will no longer pursue reconciliation and reunification with South Korea. This decision comes as North Korea sets its sights on launching three new military spy satellites into orbit by the year 2024.
According to the state-run news agency KCNA, Kim described inter-Korean relations as "a relationship between two hostile countries and two belligerents at war."
North Korea Will Not Seek Reunification With South Korea
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - AUGUST 24: People watch a television broadcast showing a file image of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un at the Seoul Railway Station on August 24, 2023 in Seoul, South Korea. North Korea said Thursday that its second attempt to launch a spy satellite has ended in a failure, citing "an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight."
Since the conclusion of the Korean War in 1953, North and South Korea have remained separated from each other, with no direct communication or interaction. The war ended with an armistice agreement, which effectively halted the fighting but did not result in a formal peace treaty.
Despite the ongoing state of war between the two sides, it is important to note that both governments have consistently expressed their aspirations for eventual reunification.
Over the course of several decades, relations between nations have experienced fluctuations. However, in recent years, tensions have remained notably elevated due to the actions of Kim Jong Un, who has intensified North Korea's nuclear weapons program in direct opposition to international sanctions.
According to a recent report by KCNA, Kim has given instructions to various sectors of the country, including the army, munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defense, to expedite war preparations in response to what they perceive as "confrontation moves" by the US.
The political and military situation on the Korean Peninsula was described as "grave" and had reached a "extreme" point due to Washington.
In a significant development, Kim's latest comments on reunification have caught the attention of Hoo Chiew-Ping, a senior fellow at the East Asian International Relations CAUCUS (EAIR) and member of the Asia Pacific Nuclear Advisory Panel (APNAP). According to Hoo, the North Korean leader's stance on "inter-Korean relations" has been gradually shifting away in recent years
In a statement to CNN, Hoo emphasized that this event will represent a significant turning point on the Korean Peninsula. He further highlighted that any future attempts by South Korean administrations to extend an olive branch will face strong opposition from North Korea.
Pyongyang expressed a greater interest in strengthening its relations with existing allies such as "China and Russia, as well as a specific group of nations worldwide that will support its proliferation efforts and financial outreach."
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Kim Jong Un Orders Annihilation of Enemies, Including US
Moreover, Kim Jong Un expressed his belief that his military should take decisive action against the United States and South Korea if provoked.
Kim emphasized the need to "thoroughly annihilate" these nations, following his commitment to strengthening national defense in response to what he perceived as an unparalleled confrontation led by the United States.
In anticipation of the upcoming US presidential election in November, it is anticipated that Kim will intensify weapons testing in 2024. According to numerous experts, it is widely believed that he holds the view that by bolstering his nuclear arsenal, he could potentially secure concessions from the United States in the event of former President Donald Trump's reelection.
During a five-day major ruling party meeting last week, Kim made a significant announcement. He stated his intention to launch three additional military spy satellites, increase the production of nuclear materials, and develop attack drones this year.
Observers believe that these actions are aimed at bolstering his bargaining power in future diplomatic negotiations with the United States.During a meeting held on Sunday with commanding army officers, Kim emphasized the urgent need to enhance the strength of "the treasured sword" in order to protect national security.
This statement seemingly alluded to his country's nuclear weapons program. According to the official Korean Central News Agency, he referenced "the US and other hostile forces' military confrontation moves."In a recent statement, Kim emphasized the importance of the North Korean army taking decisive action to eliminate any potential threats.
Kim stated that if faced with military confrontation or provocations, it is crucial for the army to utilize all available resources and capabilities without delay in order to deliver a devastating blow to the enemy.
In his New Year's Day address on Monday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced his plans to bolster the country's military capabilities in order to counter the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. President Yoon emphasized his intention to enhance preemptive strike, missile defense, and retaliatory measures.
In a statement, Yoon, referring to South Korea by its official name, emphasized that the Republic of Korea is actively constructing a robust and enduring peace. This approach is characterized by strength, rather than relying on the benevolence of the adversary, as Yoon highlighted.
During the party meeting, Kim made remarks referring to South Korea as "a hemiplegic malformation and colonial subordinate state," while also stating that its society is "tainted by Yankee culture." In a recent statement, he emphasized that his military would employ every possible resource, including nuclear weapons, to "subdue the entire territory of South Korea" should a conflict arise.
South Korea's Defense Ministry has issued a warning to North Korea regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons. According to the ministry, any such attempt by North Korea will be met with a decisive and overwhelming response from South Korean and US forces. The consequences of such action, as stated by the ministry, would be the downfall of the Kim government.
According to experts, the possibility of small-scale military clashes occurring this year between North and South Korea along their heavily armed border has been raised. According to reports, North Korea is anticipated to conduct test-launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles that possess the capability to reach the mainland United States, along with other significant new weaponry.
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