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Kim Jong Un Signals Conditional Openness to US Relations While Vowing Nuclear Expansion
PYONGYANG – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed a conditional willingness to improve relations with the United States, provided Washington abandons what he terms its “hostile policy.” However, these remarks, reported by state media on Thursday following a major ruling party congress, were coupled with a staunch commitment to expanding the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
The statements emerged as North Korea concluded the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea this week, an event capped by a large-scale nighttime military parade in Pyongyang that showcased troops and various weapons systems.
In a report delivered to party delegates and subsequently published by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim indicated that the future trajectory of relations with Washington rests entirely on the U.S. position.
“The U.S. policy of hegemony and tyranny has severely shaken the foundations of peace and security in places around the world,” Kim stated, according to KCNA. “However, if the U.S. respects the present position of our state… and withdraws its hostile policy toward the DPRK, there is no reason why we cannot get on well with the U.S.” The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is North Korea’s official name.
Kim has previously shown openness to resuming diplomatic dialogue with Washington, even citing “fond memories” of former U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom he held three meetings during Trump’s initial term. Analysts suggest Kim’s latest comments could be another overture to Trump.
Sean King, a senior vice president and East Asia expert at Park Strategies, noted, “So long as President Trump doesn’t push denuclearization and/or regime change – which he won’t – I’m not surprised Kim Jong Un’s signaled a willingness to talk to Trump when he’s ready.” King added, “Kim knows well Trump’s contempt for U.S. alliances and commitments abroad, and the North Korean dictator will presumably look to make the most of this moment.”
In contrast to his guarded optimism regarding the U.S., Kim maintained a dismissive stance toward South Korea, labeling it “the most hostile entity.” He characterized the efforts of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s administration to mend strained inter-Korean relations as “a clumsy deceptive farce.”
Seoul’s Unification Ministry responded by expressing regret that North Korea had not reciprocated its government’s efforts toward peace. “We will patiently and consistently pursue our policy of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, without being swayed by North Korea’s attitude,” the ministry conveyed in a message to reporters.
Simultaneously, Kim reaffirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to bolstering its nuclear deterrent. He stated that North Korea would continue to expand its nuclear forces under a plan designed to increase the number of weapons and broaden both delivery systems and operational capabilities. The KCNA report outlined a focus on improving strike systems, conducting regular tests and drills, and developing new strategic assets, including upgraded missile platforms and other advanced weaponry.
A June report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated North Korea possesses approximately 50 nuclear warheads and enough fissile material for about 40 more. South Korean President Lee indicated last month that North Korea is producing sufficient weapons-grade material to construct between 10 and 20 nuclear weapons annually.
The congress, held from February 19 to 25, reviewed policy achievements from the past five years and adopted a new long-term plan prioritizing economic development alongside military modernization. Kim was reappointed general secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party, solidifying his leadership.
Hours after the congress concluded, North Korea staged a military parade at Kim Il Sung Square late Wednesday night. KCNA reported the parade featured 50 foot columns representing various military branches, aircraft flyovers, and fireworks, with Kim presiding from a viewing platform alongside senior party and military officials.
Images from the event notably showed Kim Ju Ae, the North Korean leader’s daughter, accompanying her father in a matching leather coat. Her increasingly frequent public appearances have fueled external speculation regarding a potential future leadership role.
KCNA did not release detailed images of strategic weapons systems displayed during the parade. In October, North Korea unveiled its Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, which state media described as the country’s “most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system.”