North Korean leader Kim Jong Un threatened to expand his nuclear arsenal, citing what he referred to as the United States' "hostile policy."
The Associated Press reports Kim announced plans to expand his nuclear arsenal and develop more sophisticated atomic weapons systems during a key ruling party meeting on Friday (January 8.) The leader said the decision was part of an effort to apply pressure to President-elect Joe Biden's administration, which will transition into power on January 20.
Kim said the "key to establishing new relations between (North Korea) and the United States is whether the United States withdraws its hostile policy” on North Korea," the Korean Central News Agency reports via the AP.
Kim said he doesn't plan to use his nukes unless "hostile forces" intend to use nuclear weapons against North Korea first, but does believe North Korea must strengthen its military and nuclear arsenal in order to prevent what he views as a threat of a U.S. invasion on North Korea, the AP reports.
The reported changes include the development of missiles with multiple warhead, underwater-launched nuclear missiles, spy satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, according to the AP.
The Korean Central News Agency said the order was made during a fourth-day meeting of North Korea's first ruling party congress since 2016, which was the first meeting in 36 years.
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