This article was originally published by Radio Free Asia and is reprinted with permission.
North Korea is building up its nuclear force through “geometrical progression,” leader Kim Jong Un said, citing the “military security environment” as a reason.
Kim, in a speech on Monday, said the U.S.-led expansion of a military bloc in the region posed a grave security threat to North Korea and raised the need for it to bolster its nuclear arsenal.
“The obvious conclusion is that the nuclear force of the DPRK and the posture capable of properly using it for ensuring the state’s right to security in any time should be more thoroughly perfected,” Kim said, as cited by the Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, on Tuesday.
The DPRK, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is North Korea’s official name.
Calling North Korea a “responsible nuclear weapons state,” Kim said its nuclear weapons did not pose a threat to anyone, adding that those who called his country’s nuclear force threatening only revealed their acknowledgement that they have the hostile intention to attack the North with their own nuclear arms.
“The DPRK will steadily strengthen its nuclear force capable of fully coping with any threatening acts imposed by its nuclear-armed rival states and redouble its measures and efforts to make all the armed forces of the state including the nuclear force fully ready for combat,” Kim added.
Kim’s remarks came after KCNA released a photo showing him inspecting a new missile vehicle during his visit to a defense industrial enterprise, marking the first time that North Korea unveiled a 12-axle transporter erector launcher, or TEL, an upgrade to its previously most-wheeled version that has 11 axles and 22 wheels. That vehicle is used to mount the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile.
The new 12-axle TEL can carry missiles longer than any North Korea has, indicating it could be developing a bigger missile.
In response, a Pentagon spokesperson on Monday reiterated the U.S. commitment to close cooperation with its allies to ensure regional security.
“It’s not unusual for North Korea to use media reports and imagery to try to telegraph to the world,” Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told a press briefing.
“From a U.S. standpoint, our focus is on working with our regional allies and partners to include the ROK and Japan on preserving regional security and stability and deterring a potential attack,” he added, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.
