North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has once again threatened the use of nuclear weapons against South Korea and the United States, raising concerns about heightened military tensions on the Korean Peninsula. This latest warning came on the heels of accusations from Kim that the U.S. and South Korea are provoking North Korea, following their bolstered military cooperation. Kim's remarks underscore his growing frustration with the alliance’s joint military planning, particularly their recent efforts to enhance nuclear deterrence capabilities aimed at curbing North Korea's aggressive posture.
In a recent speech at Kim Jong Un University of National Defense, the North Korean leader emphasized that his country would "without hesitation" use its nuclear arsenal if it perceives any armed threats from its adversaries. This declaration is in line with North Korea's updated nuclear doctrine, which permits preemptive strikes if the regime feels its leadership is under threat.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un warned he would use nuclear weapons "without hesitation" if attacked by the U.S. or South Korea, days after South Korea cautioned that such action would end his regime.
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— Radio Free Asia (@RadioFreeAsia) October 4, 2024
The tensions between North Korea and its southern neighbor have been escalating since the summer of 2023, especially after South Korea and the U.S. agreed on a new deterrence strategy. This joint strategy integrates South Korea’s conventional forces with U.S. nuclear capabilities, a move that Kim claims disrupts the balance of power in the region. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, a strong proponent of the alliance, believes that these recent provocations are part of Kim’s broader strategy to force the U.S. into negotiations and possibly gain sanctions relief.
Kim’s threats are not new, but the timing is significant. Many observers speculate that these provocations are strategically aimed at the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November 2024. By increasing tensions and showcasing his nuclear might, Kim could be seeking leverage to push for future negotiations, particularly if Donald Trump, with whom Kim had diplomatic talks in 2018-2019, returns to office. Some experts believe that Kim views a potential Trump administration as more amenable to concessions than a continued Democratic presidency under Kamala Harris.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Kamala Harris says Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, and Viktor Orbán are murderers. pic.twitter.com/DvaOC0qRam
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) October 9, 2024
The stakes are high as North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities. The regime has conducted six nuclear tests since 2006 and has repeatedly tested intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), including the long-range Hwasong-17. North Korea has also recently unveiled a new uranium enrichment facility, further escalating concerns in Washington and Seoul. Some analysts believe that North Korea could conduct additional nuclear tests or missile launches to strengthen its bargaining position.
Amid these provocations, North Korea has made moves to solidify its stance against reunification with South Korea. During a meeting of its rubber-stamp parliament, the regime is expected to constitutionally enshrine its rejection of peaceful reunification, declaring South Korea as its “principal enemy.” This shift marks a significant departure from previous North Korean rhetoric that kept the door open for potential reconciliation.
For its part, the U.S. and South Korea have warned that any nuclear attack from North Korea would result in the downfall of the Kim regime. Despite its nuclear advancements, many experts argue that North Korea's military remains significantly outmatched by the combined U.S.-South Korean forces.
As tensions continue to simmer, the international community watches closely, particularly with concerns that North Korea might escalate its provocations to force concessions from a future U.S. administration.
