In photographs released by North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, Kim Jong Un is seen inspecting a facility that appears to be a uranium enrichment plant.<\/p>\n
Analysts suggest it may be a new facility within the Yongbyon complex.<\/p>\n
Kim Jong Un said North Korea’s capacity to produce military-grade nuclear materials has more than doubled over the past five years compared to previous levels.<\/p>\n
The North Korean leader ordered further increases in production volumes to achieve long-term strategic goals.<\/p>\n
He emphasized that this expansion is essential for building a powerful nuclear arsenal capable of countering the hostile policy of the United States and potential threats to the country’s security.<\/p>\n
Bloomberg analysts note that the statement comes amid heightened regional tensions. In recent months, North Korea has stepped up testing of various types of ballistic missiles and deepened military-technical cooperation with Russia, raising serious concerns in the West.<\/p>\n
North Korea expands its nuclear arsenal<\/p>\n
In April this year, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that North Korea had likely significantly expanded its nuclear weapons production capabilities<\/a> in recent years.<\/p>\n