News|Kim Jong UnNorth Korea’s Kim slams US-Seoul nuclear submarine deal as ‘offensive act’Kim Jong Un made the comments while inspecting a North Korean nuclear submarine facility on Wednesday.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has criticized a new nuclear submarine agreement between the United States and South Korea, asserting it poses a threat to regional stability. This statement was made during his visit to North Korea's submarine production…
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has criticized a new nuclear submarine agreement between the United States and South Korea, asserting it poses a threat to regional stability. This statement was made during his visit to North Korea's submarine production facility, as reported by North Korean state media.
Kim described the agreement as an "offensive act severely violating [Pyongyang’s] security and maritime sovereignty," emphasizing the need to counteract this perceived threat. The leader highlighted the urgency to "accelerate the modernization and nuclear weaponization of North Korea's naval forces." These comments were made during his tour of a facility where an "8,700-tonnage nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine" is under development.
Additionally, Kim oversaw the test firing of a new high-altitude long-range anti-air missile into the Sea of Japan, referred to by North Korea as the "East Sea of Korea." The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the test as successful, with the missile reaching a target at an altitude of 200 kilometers (124 miles).
This statement was made during his visit to North Korea's submarine production facility, as reported by North Korean state media.
The developments come as South Korea announced plans to pursue a "standalone deal" with the U.S. to acquire nuclear-powered submarine technology, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency. Notably, U.S. law prohibits the transfer of nuclear material for military use, but an exemption could be granted by the U.S. President. South Korea's national security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, confirmed discussions with U.S. officials are anticipated to commence early next year. Wi also noted a precedent with Australia, which pursued a similar agreement with the U.S.
On a related note, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended a New Year’s greeting to Kim Jong Un, expressing gratitude for North Korea’s military support in Ukraine. Since 2024, North Korean troops have been involved in operations alongside Russian forces in Ukraine and parts of Russia.
Putin highlighted the "invincible friendship and militant fraternity" between Russia and North Korea, praising the strategic partnership treaty signed in 2024. He expressed a desire to "strengthen relations of friendship and alliance" and pursue constructive cooperation on regional and international matters, according to KCNA reports.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.