Kim warns of unprecedented nuclear risk on Korean peninsula

Amid criticism, Kim vowed to upgrade North Korea’s military, calling the Korean peninsula "the world’s biggest hotspot

SEOUL:

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has accused the United States of escalating tensions and provocations, warning that the Korean peninsula faces an unprecedented risk of nuclear conflict, according to state media KCNA on Friday.

Speaking at a military exhibition in Pyongyang on Thursday, Kim said past negotiations with Washington had underscored its "aggressive and hostile" stance towards North Korea.

"Never before have the warring parties on the Korean peninsula faced such a dangerous confrontation that could escalate into a thermonuclear war," Kim stated, as reported by KCNA.

He added, "We have gone as far as possible in negotiating with the United States, but the results only confirmed their unwillingness to coexist and their persistent aggressive policies."

Kim's remarks referenced failed diplomacy during Donald Trump's first presidential term, which included three high-profile meetings in Singapore, Hanoi, and at the Korean border in 2018 and 2019.

Despite initial optimism, the talks yielded no concrete outcomes due to disagreements over North Korea's denuclearisation and demands for sanctions relief.

Trump has previously claimed his relationship with Kim prevented a catastrophic nuclear war, although North Korean media has yet to comment on his reelection bid.

In his speech, Kim called for the development of "ultra-modern" weapons and vowed to continue advancing North Korea's defence capabilities to strengthen its strategic position.

The Defence Development Exhibition, where the speech was delivered, showcased various strategic and tactical weapons.

Kim’s statements come amid international condemnation of North Korea's deepening military ties with Russia. Reports indicate Pyongyang has sent over 10,000 troops to support Moscow's war in Ukraine, a move criticised by Western nations.

Last week, Kim urged the North Korean military to bolster its war-fighting capabilities, blaming the United States and its allies for bringing tensions on the Korean peninsula to what he called "the worst phase in history." He described the region as "the world's biggest hotspot," further escalating concerns over the potential for conflict.