Kim Jong Un Re-elected as Ruling Party Chief Amid Praise for Nuclear Expansion
North Korean congress endorses continued military buildup as leader prepares to outline five year strategy
Korea, Feb 23 : Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, with party delegates crediting him for expanding the country’s nuclear arsenal and reinforcing its regional posture, according to state media.
The decision was announced during the ongoing party congress in Pyongyang, a key political gathering held every five years to determine leadership positions and set national priorities.
Nuclear Policy at the Core
North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim was unanimously chosen to continue in the top post, describing the move as reflecting the “unshakable will” of delegates.
Party statements praised his efforts in developing nuclear forces capable of countering what it called external aggression. The leadership claimed that strengthened deterrence ensures national security and enhances public confidence in the country’s future.
Analysts expect Kim to use the congress to outline fresh military objectives, including integrating conventional forces more closely with nuclear capabilities. Observers also anticipate renewed emphasis on economic self-reliance, supported by expanding trade ties with China and military cooperation with Russia.
Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Freeze
The congress comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and strained relations with both Washington and Seoul. Diplomatic engagement between Pyongyang and the United States has remained stalled since the collapse of the 2019 summit between Kim and then U.S. President Donald Trump over sanctions relief and denuclearization.
In recent years, North Korea has adopted a firmer stance toward South Korea, abandoning previous references to peaceful reunification and describing inter Korean ties as relations between hostile states.
While the party confirmed revisions to its internal rules during the meeting, specific details have not yet been disclosed. State media have also not reported direct remarks from Kim regarding relations with Washington or Seoul.
At 42, Kim continues to consolidate authority at the helm of both the party and the state, reinforcing a leadership structure centered on military strength and strategic autonomy.
