North Korea prepares for stronger nuclear forces

Kim Jong Un, in a photo released by state media, watches from a red carpet during a send-off for young workers drafted into flood reconstruction. Photo: KCNA/AFP/Getty Images

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed his intention to strengthen the country’s nuclear capabilities this year, according to state media reports. This announcement comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned plans to reach out to Kim, raising hopes for further diplomatic engagement.

The statement was made during Kim’s review of the production of weapons-grade nuclear material at a facility. He was briefed on long-term plans for the development of North Korea’s nuclear sector, with the country’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) covering the update.

In images released by KCNA, Kim is seen discussing the project with officials inside an industrial warehouse, surrounded by long rows of cylindrical centrifuges. These centrifuges bear a resemblance to those Kim toured during his visit to a new uranium enrichment facility in September, which is designed to produce fissile materials for nuclear weapons.