North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the importance of strengthening national defense while inspecting various military-related facilities ahead of the Day of the Foundation of the Republic on September 9.
According to a report in the state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Monday, Kim Jong Un, accompanied by high-ranking officials, visited several military-related sites, including the O Jin U Artillery Academy, naval bases, shipbuilding facilities, and defense industry enterprises. The specific locations and dates of these visits were not disclosed.
At the Artillery Academy, Kim Jong Un stressed the necessity of advancing military training, modernization, and transformation despite the challenging domestic and international circumstances. He emphasized that these efforts are crucial for building a powerful military.
During his visit to the naval base construction site, Kim highlighted the importance of maritime capabilities. “As a nation bordered by seas to the east and west, we have always prioritized shipbuilding and naval power in our national defense strategy,” he remarked. He also addressed the need for enhanced air and coastal defense systems to protect naval assets.
At the defense industry enterprises of the Second Economy Commission, he emphasized the need to advance the scientification and modernization of military production and ensure armament combat effectiveness. During an inspection of the ship construction process, he directed that “our top priority should be to strengthen the material and technological foundation of the shipbuilding industry and significantly enhance its level of modernization.”
In additional coverage, the newspaper reported that Kim Tok Hun, the Premier, visited various farms in South Hwanghae Province to discuss measures for successfully concluding this year’s agricultural efforts in preparation for typhoons. It also reported that on September 7, a delegation led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Sang Gil left Pyongyang to visit Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Indonesia.
The report also noted that preparations for the 2024 Intellectual Property Business Development Exhibition are nearing completion. It also highlighted the upcoming Autumn Hygiene Monthly Campaign scheduled for September to October: “The campaign to improve sanitation facilities and create a more hygienic cultural environment will be carried out as a nationwide movement.”
In a critical segment, Rodong Sinmun condemned Japan’s recent diplomatic and military consultations with Australia as forming a quasi-alliance second only to its military alliance with the United States. It criticized them as “a manifestation of regional hegemonic ambitions.” The newspaper also labeled Japan a nuclear terrorist for releasing radioactive contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, stating, “Such reckless acts driven by selfish goals must never be allowed.”