Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected to the top post of the ruling Workers’ Party for the next five years. Party delegates praised his role in strengthening the country’s nuclear arsenal and increasing regional influence.
The party congress report stated that Kim will outline new political and military priorities for the coming five years. He is believed to be able to further accelerate the already developed missile systems and nuclear program, which are said to be capable of reaching the US and its Asian allies.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has also sent a congratulatory message to Kim Jong Un on his re-election.
Kim Jong’s emphasis on increasing nuclear capability
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s main focus remains on further strengthening the country’s nuclear capability. Analysts believe that through the recent meeting, he may signal new military goals, which could include bolstering conventional military forces and bringing them into better coordination with nuclear capabilities.
At the same time, amidst the resumption of trade with China after the pandemic and the limited economic momentum gained from arms exports to Russia, the government may again emphasize the ‘economic self-reliance’ campaign. A strategy to promote domestic production and self-sufficiency through public mobilization may also emerge.
According to North Korea’s official news agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un was re-elected as the party’s general secretary on the fourth day of the party meeting, based on the “unanimous will” of thousands of delegates.
Kim’s army described as “capable of responding to any aggression”
42-year-old Kim Jong Un has remained in the party’s top post throughout his rule. In the 2016 party congress, his title was changed from ‘First Secretary’ to ‘Chairman’, while in the 2021 congress it was changed to ‘General Secretary’.
The party statement said that through the development of nuclear forces, Kim has developed military capabilities that can face “any threat of aggression” and “any form of war.” The party also credited his leadership for securing the country’s future and enhancing the public’s “pride and self-esteem.”
According to North Korea’s state news agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), amendments to party rules were also passed at Sunday’s meeting, although their detailed description was not immediately shared. Experts believe that through this congress, Kim can further clarify his strict policy towards South Korea, and also take steps to redefine inter-Korean relations as two “hostile” countries by changing party rules.
North Korea’s increasing tension with the United States
The most intense tension in relations between North Korea and the United States was seen during the tenures of Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump. After the 2019 summit between the two leaders ended without result, Pyongyang halted meaningful diplomatic talks with the US and South Korea.
At that time, the main reason for the dispute was how much North Korea would cut back on its nuclear and missile program in exchange for sanctions relief. The negotiation process stalled after no agreement could be reached.
Subsequently, the Kim administration also rejected dialogue proposals from Washington. Furthermore, Kim indicated that the US demand for making North Korea’s complete nuclear disarmament a precondition for talks should be abandoned.
North Korea’s increasing tension with the United States
The most intense tension in relations between North Korea and the United States was seen during the tenures of Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump. After the 2019 summit between the two leaders ended without result, Pyongyang halted meaningful diplomatic talks with the US and South Korea.
At that time, the main reason for the dispute was how much North Korea would cut back on its nuclear and missile program in exchange for sanctions relief. The negotiation process stalled after no agreement could be reached.
Subsequently, the Kim administration also rejected dialogue proposals from Washington. Furthermore, Kim indicated that the US demand for making North Korea’s complete nuclear disarmament a precondition for talks should be abandoned.
