North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has warned that Pyongyang will not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if provoked by an enemy with nuclear weapons, state media reported on Thursday. The statement was made during a meeting with soldiers of the army's missile unit, where Kim praised their recent successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The Korean Central News Agency quoted Kim saying, "The decisive military activity undertaken by the body this time is a clear exposition of the offensive response method, the development of the nuclear strategy, and the doctrine of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea which involves not hesitating even in launching a nuclear attack if provoked by an enemy with nuclear weapons."
Earlier this week, North Korea claimed to have tested its latest ICBM on Monday to measure the combat readiness of its nuclear force against increasing American hostility.
Condemnation
Kim stated that the test demonstrated the military's high capability for swift movement and attack, calling for efforts to enhance the missile's combat efficiency, as reported by the agency.
In a separate statement, Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong-un's sister, criticized the United Nations Security Council for holding a meeting about the missile launch, asserting that it was an exercise of the country's right to self-defense.
She added that the Security Council should bear significant responsibility for the irresponsible actions of the United States and South Korea. The actions have escalated tensions in the Korean peninsula through various military provocations over the year.
Senior diplomats from the United States, South Korea, and Japan issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning North Korea's recent ballistic missile launches. They urged Pyongyang to engage in "meaningful dialogue without preconditions."
The U.S., South Korea, and Japan also conducted a joint aerial drill involving an American strategic bomber near the Korean Peninsula yesterday. This latest strategic asset deployment by Washington forms part of its commitment to Seoul to strengthen defensive readiness.
