Kim Jong Un unveils missile threat as tensions rise on Korean Peninsula
Kim Jong Un threatens the West once again. "We can choose dialogue or confrontation, but we must be better prepared for confrontation," said the North Korean leader during his speech. He seized the moment whilst presenting ballistic missiles to military commanders. As many as 250 missiles are set to be deployed near the border with South Korea.
According to CNN, North Korean media likely display missile launchers mounted on vehicles. Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, is pictured standing beside them. On Sunday, a special ceremony was organized, during which the crowd cheered at the sight of passing armed vehicles.
Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the handover of equipment to military commanders and chiefs of staff, further stating in his speech that the new rocket launchers were built using North Korean technology.
"We can choose dialogue or confrontation, but we must be better prepared for confrontation," CNN quotes the dictator. The 40-year-old added that this is "the key thought of our policy towards the USA, which we consistently maintain." Later, he threatened the United States, warning that if they ignore these warnings and attempt to undermine regional security, "it will have tragic consequences for the security of the USA."
Increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula
Sunday's displays in Pyongyang occur during a period of increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula. This coincides with North Korea entering into a military strategic partnership with Russia.
South Korea has begun military cooperation with the USA and Japan. These countries are conducting joint exercises that Pyongyang views as a threat.
Assuming all 250 launchers are operational, it is unclear if North Korea has the production capability for 1,000 missiles. It is at least highly unlikely that North Korea has anything close to that number of tactical nuclear warheads," CNN quotes Joseph Dempsey, a defence and military analysis fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
