(FreedomBeacon.com)- Kim Jong Un cautioned Seoul and Washington in his address for the 69th anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War on Wednesday that his nation’s nuclear war deterrent is prepared to mobilize to accomplish its stated objective.
Kim said through the State media that “our armed forces are now completely equipped to cope with any crisis.”
Kim has criticized the upcoming joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea as an example of the U.S.’s double standards since testing and developing nuclear and ballistic missile programs is prohibited. Kim also accused the U.S. of “demonizing” North Korea to support its hostile policies.
The White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated the day before Kim’s speech that he could not confirm the date of the North’s nuclear test but that the United States “would react properly, together with friends and partners,” if one took place.
Yoon Suk-yeol, the president of South Korea, stated just last week that North Korea is prepared to perform a nuclear test whenever it chooses.
Kim’s criticism of Yoon was met with “sad sorrow” by the Office of National Security in South Korea, which also reaffirmed that “the government encourages Pyongyang to come up to the road of negotiation for disarmament and peace construction.” Yet to comment is the White House.
Even though analysts predict North Korea will soon perform its seventh nuclear test, which would be its first since September 2017, there are still barriers standing in the way of Kim Jong Un conducting a nuclear test.
No public statements or reports of the nuclear test have been made, despite satellite photos of the North’s Punggye-ri nuclear complex showing that Pyongyang has been methodically repairing tunnel 3. Analysts believe China’s resistance is the primary factor in Pyongyang’s decision to postpone its nuclear test. North Korea is unlikely to conduct a nuclear test or test-fire its ICBMs until after the Chinese National Congress, Cheong Wa Chun says it’s okay.
This is because China and North Korea’s borders were closed in early 2020 due to Kim Jong-un’s anti-pandemic efforts.
South Korea’s intelligence chief says that North Korea may be getting ready to conduct a nuclear test. Kim Jong-un has said his nuclear programs “can never be reduced to the solitary goal of war deterrent” If North Korea tests miniature nuclear weapons, they will likely be placed in the front-line troops.
