North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that the country will present a comprehensive policy combining the advancement of nuclear weapons and conventional armed forces during the upcoming Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, state media KCNA reported on Saturday (Sept 13). During inspections of weapons research facilities last week, Kim emphasized that the ninth Party Congress would introduce a strategy to simultaneously strengthen nuclear capabilities and bolster conventional defense forces. He highlighted this as a critical step toward enhancing national security and ensuring preparedness against perceived external threats.

Alongside his military-focused activities, Kim also supervised a live-fire shooting drill by the North Korean army and visited a hospital construction site, underscoring his involvement in both defense and domestic development projects. These developments follow Kim’s recent visit to Beijing, where he attended his most significant international multilateral event to date. During the trip, he held high-level discussions with global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a move that elevated his international standing and signaled North Korea’s interest in deepening strategic partnerships.

KCNA released a commentary on Saturday criticizing a joint tabletop military exercise scheduled next week between the United States and South Korea. The exercise was condemned as a “nuclear war drill,” with the commentary arguing that such activities validate North Korea’s decision to advance its nuclear program as a core element of national defense.