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North Korea decides on measures to expand nuclear forces, KCNA reports
Kim signed seven orders to expand nuclear forces and intelligence capabilities as North Korea cited deterrence against U.S.-South Korea pressure.
On Friday, North Korea announced plans to strengthen its nuclear forces "quantitatively and qualitatively" following an enlarged meeting of the Workers' Party Central Military Commission held Thursday.
Leader Kim Jong-un presided over the session, signing seven written orders to modernize the military and stressing that "true peace" can only be guaranteed by building a powerful army.
The commission addressed upgrading naval bases and shipyards, reflecting a major shift in the navy's status, alongside a personnel reshuffle involving dismissal and appointment of leading officers within the Army.
To enhance intelligence gathering against "potential enemies," officials suggested expanding the General Reconnaissance Bureau's functions "in a radical way," specifically targeting South Korea.
These measures aim to standardize and specialize military bases while renewing combat system infrastructure, reflecting a long-term strategic shift in the Army's combat readiness and operational capabilities.
North Korea is to improve its nuclear capabilities, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in the context of army modernization, and to expand the role of intelligence services, writes the official North Korean press agency KCNA on Friday, reports AFP.
North Korea will strengthen its nuclear forces "in both quality and quantity" and expand the role of its military intelligence agency focused on South Korea, state media reported on Friday.