North Korean state media reported on June 28 that leader Kim Jong Un visited a new nuclear bomb fuel production facility, where he called for expanding the country's nuclear arsenal 'exponentially'.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), during the inspection on June 27, Kim stated that the production capacity of weapons-grade nuclear materials had more than doubled compared to five years ago. He asserted the expansion is necessary due to growing security threats and a prolonged confrontation with 'the most vicious enemies', reaffirming the government's policy of bolstering nuclear deterrence.
Kim also received briefings on new production processes incorporating more advanced technology, and reviewed current production targets and future plans. Photos released by KCNA showed the leader walking through narrow aisles lined with dense rows of silver pipes and tubing.
On the same day, a key consultation meeting on strengthening nuclear forces was held. KCNA quoted Kim as saying the country had established procedures and safeguards to implement 'an ambitious future plan to strengthen our nuclear forces at an exponential pace'. He called it 'a historic event marking a significant milestone in the rapid upgrading of our nuclear capabilities'.
Analysts say the inspection aimed to solidify the stance that denuclearization is not an option ahead of potential diplomatic engagements, especially with the U.S. Chad O’Carroll, founder of the North Korea-focused site NK News, told Reuters that the visit could be linked to a potential trip to Pyongyang by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
O’Carroll noted that before heading to Beijing in September, Kim reviewed plans for developing a new intercontinental ballistic missile called the Hwasong-20. 'The likely purpose is to make it clear that denuclearization is off the table, right before any engagement with China,' O’Carroll assessed.
According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nuclear facility revealed on June 27 is a uranium enrichment plant, marking the third time North Korea has disclosed such a facility.
