North Korea calls for development of more advanced weapons

(Baonghean) - On September 9, on the occasion of the country's national day, North Korean state media called for strengthening nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, in the context that the US is pushing for a new round of sanctions against the country.

North Korean military on National Day. Photo: Reuters/Kyodo

In an editorial, North Korean state media asserted that the country “must produce more advanced Juche (North Korea's ideology of self-reliance) weapons in larger quantities.”

“No matter how the US and its puppets attack, our republic, which possesses a powerful army, the most powerful Juche bombs and weapons, the entire territory turned into a fortress, and the entire people armed to the teeth, will remain an eternal stronghold,” the article declared.

South Korean officials have previously warned of the possibility of North Korea launching another ballistic missile test or conducting another nuclear explosion to mark its founding anniversary, which Pyongyang usually celebrates with grand ceremonies and military parades. Last year, North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on September 9.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have returned this week after Pyongyang conducted its sixth nuclear test, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted on a ballistic missile.

US President Donald Trump said all options, including military action, were on the table to deal with the threat.

In addition, the United States has also planned to call for a vote on September 11 to pass a draft resolution of the United Nations Security Council to impose tougher sanctions on North Korea, including an oil import embargo, a ban on textile exports and restrictions on hiring North Korean laborers for export.

It is unclear whether China and Russia will support the US proposal, and if so, whether in full or in part. Both veto-wielding members of the Security Council have said sanctions will not change North Korea’s behavior and could in fact be counterproductive.

Both China and Russia have called for dialogue and a reduction in tensions, including a halt to US military exercises in the region in exchange for North Korea halting ballistic missile and nuclear testing.

Phu Binh

(According to AFP, AP)