North Korea Intensifies Nuclear Arms Development Amid Tensions

Department of Security and Military Strategic Research and Studies 05-11-2024

Pyongyang’s UN representative announced an acceleration of North Korea’s nuclear weapons development, citing threats from “hostile nuclear states.” This statement came shortly after North Korea’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, escalating tensions with Western nations.

During a United Nations Security Council meeting, North Korean Ambassador Kim Song highlighted the need to bolster the nuclear program to “counter any threat posed by hostile nuclear-armed states.” Shortly after, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off the eastern coast. Japan’s coast guard identified these projectiles as likely ballistic missiles, which landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

The Security Council convened to address North Korea’s recent ICBM launch, demonstrating Pyongyang’s ongoing advancements in developing long-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads as far as the U.S. mainland. The U.S. and Ukraine have warned of nearly 8,000 North Korean troops stationed in Russia’s Kursk region who could soon engage in Ukraine, emphasizing that these troops would be viewed as legitimate military targets if deployed.

“The nuclear threat posed by the United States against North Korea has reached a critical level in scale and danger,” Kim stated. He accused the U.S. of “reckless actions” pushing the situation “to the brink of war.”

During the meeting, the U.S. accused China and Russia of “shamelessly” shielding North Korea from further scrutiny at the UN, allowing it to “advance its unlawful ballistic missile, nuclear, and WMD programs” without consequences. North Korea reportedly aims to obtain Russian missile and space technology in exchange for its support in the conflict in Ukraine, though U.S. officials have not confirmed what Russia might have offered in return.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood criticized Russia and China for “shielding Pyongyang from any repercussions, or even condemnation for its actions.” Shortly after these allegations, Russian President Vladimir Putin held an unexpected meeting in the Kremlin with North Korea’s Foreign Minister, Choe Son Hui. In the meeting, aired on Russian media, Putin was seen greeting Choe on Russia’s National Unity Day. Choe expressed “sincere, warm, comradely greetings” from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The U.S. and South Korea also announced a new cooperation agreement on civil nuclear energy, aiming to strengthen export controls and supply chain protections while generating significant economic opportunities. The U.S. Department of Energy highlighted that this collaboration would contribute to climate change mitigation and economic growth.