North Korean media on December 21 quoted leader Kim Jong-un as saying the recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) demonstrated his commitment to not hesitate to launch an attack. nuclear if there is a provocative action from the enemy.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Mr. Kim made this comment during an event held on December 20 to praise the Second Hong Ky Company under the General Missile Administration for successfully launching the solid-fuel ICBM Hwasong-18 on December 18. .
Chairman Kim said the launch was “a clear explanation of North Korea’s counterattack method as well as its nuclear strategy and doctrine of being ready to launch a nuclear attack when the enemy provokes it with nuclear weapons.” , according to KCNA.
Mr. Kim emphasized that a country’s sovereignty can only be guaranteed through “strength.”
“The ability to truly defend and protect long-term peace is to be able to pre-emptively attack the enemy anywhere, making any opponent feel afraid,” Mr. Kim said.
North Korean President Kim Jong-un supervised the launch of ICBM Hwasong-18 on December 18. Photo: Yonhap
Photo: Yonhap
Previously, Chairman Kim said that this week’s missile launch showed what option he would “choose if Washington makes the wrong decision.” This is North Korea’s fifth ICBM test in 2023.
North Korea said the missile flew a distance of 1,002.3 km in 4,415 seconds at a maximum altitude of 6,518.2 km before falling into the Sea of Japan. Experts say the missile will be able to fly more than 15,000 km, far enough to strike any area of the continental United States if it is fired on a normal trajectory.
The ICBM launch took place in the context of Seoul and Washington’s efforts to promote their nuclear strategy against threats from Pyongyang.