Kim Jong Un calls for ‘rapid expansion’ of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal amid US-South Korea drills

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday urged a swift buildup of his country’s nuclear weapons program, warning that ongoing US-South Korea military exercises could “ignite a war.”

“The US-ROK intensified military nexus and the muscle-flexing are the most obvious manifestation of their will to ignite a war,” Kim was quoted as saying by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He added, “The prevailing situation requires us to make a radical and swift change in the existing military theory and practice and rapid expansion of nuclearisation.”

The remarks came during Kim’s visit to the naval destroyer Choe Hyon on Monday, where he was briefed on its weapons systems. KCNA reported that Kim expressed satisfaction with the progress in efforts to make the navy “high-tech and nuclear-armed,” noting that key tasks were on track for an October assessment.

Meanwhile, the United States and South Korea launched their annual joint exercises on Monday, an eleven-day program featuring “several large-scale, live-fire training events,” according to a US Army statement. Washington described the drills as “a defense-oriented exercise” designed to strengthen readiness against North Korean threats.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has signaled a more conciliatory stance toward Pyongyang, pledging last week to “respect” North Korea’s political system and work toward building “military trust.” His approach contrasts with his predecessor’s tougher policy.

However, Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, dismissed prospects of improved relations, stating that the North has “no will to improve relations” with Seoul. She also rejected reports suggesting Pyongyang had removed propaganda loudspeakers near the inter-Korean border.