During a high-level gathering with military leaders and nuclear experts, Kim Jong Un alludes to a ‘new significant nuclear strategy’.
Published On 27 Sep 2025
Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, has instructed senior officials to enhance the country’s “nuclear shield and sword,” emphasizing that only a robust nuclear deterrent can ensure national security.
In a recent session with nuclear scientists and engineers, including Hong Sung-mu-widely regarded as a key figure behind North Korea’s nuclear development-Kim stressed that advancing nuclear materials production and weaponry remains a “critical priority,” as reported by state-run media.
“Our unwavering position is to maintain a formidable deterrent, grounded in the principle of peace through strength, with nuclear forces as the cornerstone of our security,” Kim declared, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is North Korea’s formal designation.
Additionally, Kim alluded to “primary objectives” achieved by the nation’s nuclear weapons research institute concerning a “new significant nuclear strategy,” as conveyed by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, though he refrained from elaborating on the specifics.
KCNA further quoted Kim stating, “We must continuously refine and modernize our nuclear shield and sword to steadfastly protect our sovereignty, security, national interests, and developmental rights.”
This high-level consultation comes shortly after South Korean authorities estimated that Pyongyang may possess up to 2,000 kilograms (approximately 2 tonnes) of highly korea-expanding-nuclear-stockpile-seoul/” title=”Seoul Warns: … Rapidly Expanding Nuclear Weapon Stockpile”>enriched uranium.
Chung Dong-young, South Korea’s Unification Minister, highlighted on Thursday that only 10 to 12 kilograms (22 to 26 pounds) of enriched uranium is sufficient to manufacture a nuclear device.
“Currently, uranium centrifuges are reportedly operational at four separate sites within North Korea, likely accumulating nuclear material,” Chung remarked, as cited by Yonhap.
The minister also acknowledged that sanctions alone are unlikely to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions, but renewed diplomatic engagement between Pyongyang and Washington could pave the way for progress in denuclearization talks.
“It would be preferable for these discussions to commence at the earliest opportunity,” he added.
Kim recently expressed openness to dialogue with the United States, provided Washington ceases demanding North Korea’s unilateral nuclear disarmament.
“I still hold positive memories of former US President Trump,” Kim stated, referencing their three meetings during Trump’s administration, according to KCNA.
“If the US abandons its unrealistic fixation on denuclearization and acknowledges the reality, seeking genuine peaceful coexistence, there is no reason for us to refuse talks,” he said.
“The world is well aware of the consequences faced by countries that relinquish their nuclear arsenals under US pressure,” Kim added.
“Our nuclear weapons are non-negotiable,” he concluded.
