Kathmandu. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, inspecting a new type of weapon system, said it is proof of the country’s advanced military technology. North Korea released details of a new weapon test two days after South Korea and Japan reported that two short-range ballistic missiles were fired from Pyongyang.
According to North Korea’s state-run media KCNA, the Missile Bureau successfully tested a new weapon on Sunday in the presence of Kim. However, Pyongyang has not disclosed the type of weapon tested. Kim called the test an ‘outstanding demonstration of cutting-edge defense technology’ and said such technology would pose a serious challenge to opponents.
According to KCNA, Kim said that acquiring new military technology is important for the country’s war preparedness and the future development of its armed forces. Earlier, North Korea had fired short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea, presenting it as a joint firepower exercise.
South Korea and Japan have condemned the latest missile launch as a threat to regional peace and security. Seoul called it a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and urged an end to missile activities, while Japan also strongly protested.
North Korea has maintained that its status as a nuclear-weapon-possessing state is permanent and irreversible. Last week, it rejected a resolution passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) demanding a halt to its nuclear activities, stating that such a resolution would have no impact on its nuclear status. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, also recently stated that North Korea’s nuclear status is ‘absolute’.