Kim Jong Un Prepares to Elevate Military Role at North Korea's Major Political Gathering
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to expand the country's military and outline advanced nuclear programme strategies as he gears up for the nation's most significant political event, scheduled for late February in Pyongyang. This gathering, the ninth Workers' Party congress, occurs every five years and serves as a critical platform for setting major policy objectives and disseminating propaganda messages globally.
Analysts Predict New Military Plans at Upcoming Congress
Experts suggest that Kim's recent statements hint at the potential unveiling of a fresh military blueprint during the congress. The ruling party's congress functions as a tool for North Korea to communicate its propaganda to the world and determine future political, economic, and military priorities. In preparation, Kim has toured various military and economic sites, including a cruise missile launch facility and a large-scale greenhouse farm, to highlight his national policy achievements.
The party's political bureau convened a meeting last Saturday to organise the congress, as reported by state media KCNA. During a speech at the Ministry of Defence commemorating the 78th anniversary of the Korean People's Army (KPA), Kim emphasised the army's enhanced role, stating, "Our army has proved before the times and history that it is its mettle and original features to quicken more enormous and vigorous strides for loyalty and feats the greater the trust in and expectation for it is."
Nuclear Programme and Military Expansion in Focus
Kim further declared that the upcoming five years, as outlined by the Ninth Congress, will see the military's unique role strengthened. Last month, he announced plans to boost the nuclear programme at the congress, with observers anticipating the event in the latter half of February, following the birth anniversary of his late father, Kim Jong Il. The previous congress in 2021 adopted a resolution to fortify North Korea's "nuclear deterrent," with Kim describing the establishment of a nuclear force as a "strategic and predominant goal."
According to Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, the new defence plan may include securing heat-resisting atmospheric re-entry technology for Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), advancing nuclear-powered submarines, and developing military reconnaissance satellites. Kim recently reflected on the past year as "especially filled with unheard-of dramatic events and distinguished feats," noting increased trust and affection for the army from the party and people.
Increased Military Production and International Stance
In December, Kim directed officials to ramp up missile and artillery shell production in 2026 and construct new factories to meet military demands. KCNA reported that he ordered the building of additional munitions plants to expand overall production capacity. Pyongyang already possesses a range of nuclear-capable missiles capable of targeting the United States and its allies across Asia.
Kim has called on the US to abandon its precondition that North Korea relinquish its nuclear weapons before resuming talks. He did not respond to an offer from former US President Donald Trump to meet during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju last year. This stance underscores North Korea's commitment to maintaining and expanding its military and nuclear capabilities as a central focus of the upcoming congress.
