North Korea nuclear arsenal is the bold key to peace or permanent confrontation according to Kim Jong Un
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent a rare and bold message to Washington. He claims that North Korea and the United States can “get along” well. However, this peace comes with a very heavy price tag for the West.
Kim wants the United States to respect the North Korea nuclear arsenal. He spoke during a major political meeting in Pyongyang. This event was the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea. His words suggest a new era of “peaceful coexistence” might be possible.
Why Kim Jong Un Is Expanding the North Korea Nuclear Arsenal
During the party congress, Kim made his intentions very clear to the world. He plans to grow the North Korea nuclear arsenal significantly. He wants more weapons and a much longer operational range for his missiles.
Kim stated that the future of relations depends entirely on the US attitude. He noted that the choice between peace and conflict is not his to make. The leader believes his country is now a permanent nuclear power. This status is even written into their national constitution.
A Cold Shoulder for South Korea
While Kim left a door open for the US, he shut it for Seoul. He called South Korea the “most hostile entity” to his nation. He also said he would “permanently exclude Seoul” from being seen as brothers.
This shift signals a major change in regional politics. Analysts believe Kim wants to talk to the US directly. He no longer feels the need to involve South Korea in these talks. He told the South to leave his country alone if they want to live safely.
Trump and the Future of the North Korea Nuclear Arsenal
These comments come at a very interesting time in global politics. US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China this April. Many experts think Kim is trying to catch Trump’s attention before that trip.
In the past, Trump and Kim met several times to discuss weapons. Their last official meeting took place in 2019. Recently, Trump released a security map that did not mention “denuclearization.” This omission caused many people to wonder if a new deal is coming.
The Growing Power of the North Korea Nuclear Arsenal
Despite many international sanctions, Pyongyang has not stopped its work. They continue to test large intercontinental missiles regularly. State media says Kim has “radically improved” the nation’s war deterrence.
It is hard to know exactly how many bombs they have. However, experts at SIPRI have made some educated guesses. They believe North Korea has about 50 assembled nuclear warheads. They may also have enough material to build 40 more very soon. To verify these figures, you can view the latest SIPRI world nuclear forces data.
Is Denuclearization a Dead Goal?
Kim Jong Un was very firm about his weapons program. He told his parliament that “denuclearization” has lost its meaning. He believes the world must accept North Korea as it is. He called the pursuit of his disarmament “absurd.”
If the US recognizes this reality, Kim says they can meet face to face. He wants a relationship based on mutual respect for power. He is not interested in giving up his missiles for any reason.
Challenges for International Security
The global community remains worried about these developments. For years, the US has asked for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. Kim’s latest speech directly challenges that long-standing goal.
The North Korean leader is focusing on “limitless” expansion. He ordered this growth back in November 2024. He believes the North Korea nuclear arsenal is the only way to ensure safety. He wants the world to see his country as a peer, not a threat to be removed.
What Happens Next?
The ball is now in Washington’s court. The US must decide if it will change its “hostile policy.” If they do, Kim says there is no reason they cannot be friends. If they don’t, he says he is ready for “permanent confrontation.”
The world will be watching Trump’s upcoming moves closely. Any shift in US policy could change the history of East Asia. For now, Kim is standing firm with his weapons ready. He is waiting to see how the West responds to his latest offer.
Key Facts About the Current Situation:
- Kim Jong Un spoke at the Ninth Congress in Pyongyang.
- He wants to increase the number of nuclear weapons.
- The US must respect North Korea as a nuclear power.
- South Korea is now labeled as the “most hostile” enemy.
- Trump’s 2024 security plan skipped the word “denuclearization.”
- Experts believe the North has at least 50 warheads ready.
- Kim says the choice for peace belongs to the United States.
This situation is evolving quickly. Kim’s message is a mix of a threat and an invitation. He is ready for a fight, but he also says he wants to “get along.” The next few months will show which path the two nations choose to take.
The security of the Pacific region hinges on these diplomatic choices. Leaders in Washington and Beijing are likely analyzing Kim’s speech right now. Every word from Pyongyang is carefully chosen to project strength.
Peace remains a distant hope, but the door is slightly ajar. Only time will tell if the US accepts Kim’s new terms. Until then, the world must watch and wait. The future depends on whether the US can live with the North Korea nuclear arsenal.