Kim Jong Un's Strategic Objectives: North Korea's Military Capabilities and Diplomatic Stance
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has asserted that his country has the capability to completely destroy South Korea if it feels threatened, emphasizing his reluctance to engage in discussions with Seoul. Despite this stance, Kim expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with Washington during a recent ruling party congress where he outlined his strategic objectives for the next five years. Kim emphasized the need to enhance North Korea's military capabilities by developing new weapons systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles that can be launched from underwater and an expanded arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons aimed at South Korea. He highlighted the progress made in advancing the country's nuclear and missile program, solidifying its status as a nuclear-armed state, and urged the United States to abandon what he views as hostile policies towards North Korea to facilitate the resumption of dialogue.