Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un chaired a significant policy-setting meeting of the country’s ruling party last week, setting the stage for the coming year, as reported by state media KCNA on Sunday.
The meeting, attended by party and government officials, concluded with a decision to launch the “toughest” strategy aimed at countering the United States, focusing on safeguarding North Korea’s security and national interests. The KCNA report did not provide further details on the specifics of the strategy.
The meeting also condemned the growing alliance between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, labeling it as a “nuclear military bloc”. The report added that South Korea had become an “anti-communist outpost” for the United States. “This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how,” the KCNA report stated.
Review of Domestic Affairs
The Dec. 23-27 meeting also addressed domestic issues, including the country’s response to floods earlier this year. The leadership reviewed a plan that relocated those affected by the natural disaster to Pyongyang, the capital.
Additionally, North Korea reiterated its commitment to strengthening relations with “friendly” countries, as part of its broader diplomatic strategy. Kim Jong Un emphasized the need for progress in defense science and technology, underscoring the importance of advancing the country’s war deterrence capabilities.
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Political Reshuffle and Key Appointments
In a political reshuffle during the meeting, Kim Jong Un appointed Pak Thae Song, a party secretary, as the new premier, replacing Kim Tok Hun. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui was elevated to a position within the influential Politburo of the party’s Central Committee.
The meeting concluded with a review of the year, which included the summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. The two leaders signed a deal, which, among other things, included a mutual defense pledge, drawing international attention.
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Criticism from Washington and Seoul
The military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, particularly their partnership in the ongoing war in Ukraine, has drawn sharp criticism from Washington and Seoul. Both countries have raised concerns about the dispatch of North Korean troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, further escalating tensions in the region.
