North Korea's Kim Jong Un Vows to Strengthen Defense, Criticizes U.S.-South Korea Actions on June 23

According to KCNA on June 23, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un stated that U.S. and South Korean actions have severely deteriorated the situation on the Korean Peninsula and pledged to further strengthen the country's defense capabilities. Speaking at the second expanded meeting of the ninth central committee of the Workers' Party (June 20-22), Kim cited increased military deployment in the region, South Korea's nuclear submarine plans, and renewed nuclear consultation group meetings as examples of escalatory behavior.

Kim announced plans to accelerate construction of a 10,000-ton strategic missile cruiser and develop conventional weapons to boost military combat effectiveness. He also emphasized completing border fortification projects and establishing new naval fleet bases to enhance national defense.