Kim Jong Un likely to consolidate military gains rather than break new ground, doubling down on Russia and anti-ROK line
North Korea’s imminent Ninth Party Congress is poised to serve as a key inflection point for the regime, 15 years into Kim Jong Un’s rule.
The Korean People’s Army can boast of significant progress on modernization goals since the last congress in 2021, developing capabilities ranging from tactical nuclear warheads and solid-fuel missiles to new submarines.
The DPRK has also reaped benefits thanks to Russia’s transformation from a marginalized player on the peninsula to a treaty ally, placing Kim in a stronger position on the global stage despite some friction with China.[/p
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