North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has labeled the U.S. a “hostile state” that North Korea will contend with for generations ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November. He vowed to fortify the country’s nuclear deterrence against the U.S., irrespective of the upcoming election’s outcome. While Kim stressed confrontation over dialogue, increasing messages directed at the U.S. as the election approaches have drawn attention.
North Korea’s state-run media, Rodong Sinmun, reported that Kim’s speech came at a Sunday ceremony where the new tactical ballistic missile weapon system was transferred.
The ceremony was reportedly held in the capital, Pyongyang, to deliver 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers produced by key munitions factories to frontline units of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
During the ceremony, Kim delivered a speech placing heightened importance on messages aimed at the U.S.
With the U.S. presidential election in mind, Kim said, “The United States we are facing is not just an administration that governs and then steps down after a few years, but a hostile entity that our descendants will continue to confront across generations.”
He highlighted the necessity for continuously enhancing their defense capabilities, underscoring the reality they face.
Also, he emphasized that while dialogue and confrontation are options, the most thorough preparation must be made for confrontation, which is the conclusion and consistent stance North Korea has maintained over the past 30 years of DPRK-U.S. relations.
Regardless of the outcome of the presidential election, Kim’s statements indicate that North Korea will continue to ramp up its nuclear deterrent, emphasizing that the current approach leans towards “confrontation” rather than dialogue. This aligns closely with North Korea’s long-standing confrontational stance towards the U.S., but the growing anti-US rhetoric by North Korea as the election nears is noteworthy.
Last month, North Korea addressed the U.S. election for the first time in a Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) commentary.
At the time, North Korea dismissed Donald Trump’s mention of his “friendship” with Kim, stating, “Public matters are public, and private matters are private,” emphasizing a lack of immediate interest in enhancing relations with the U.S.
Kim’s direct anti-US speech mirrors North Korea’s keen interest in the U.S. presidential election, suggesting a diplomatic strategy that combines putting pressure on the next administration with suggesting a dialogue.
“The reiteration of ‘preparedness for dialogue and confrontation’ at this time indicates the potential for a change in administration with the upcoming U.S. election. This keeps the door open to induce changes in U.S. policy in anticipation of possible contact,” analyzed Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
He noted that North Korea is repeating its past strategy of emphasizing its nuclear capabilities and clarifying its aggressive stance to trigger changes in U.S. policy as a new administration takes office and formulates its North Korea policy.
On Monday, North Korea highlighted its nuclear deterrent by announcing the transfer of 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers to frontier military units.
“We have diversified the firepower mission space and enhanced effectiveness in the practical aspects of our special physical force tactical nuclear capabilities.”
This also appears to strengthen the confrontation narrative ahead of the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise, the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS). The newly unveiled weapon system is presumed to be the launcher for the Hwasong-11Ra short-range ballistic missile. North Korea might deploy near the military demarcation line (MDL) to step up its offensive posture against the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
