Republished with full copyright permissions from The Washington Daily Chronicle.

North Korea’s recent move to cement its nuclear force-building policy into its constitution has sent shockwaves through the international community. In a clear display of defiance towards the United States and its allies, leader Kim Jong Un vows to counter threats and protect North Korea’s atomic ambitions.

Addressing the Supreme People’s Assembly, Kim Jong Un affirmed the permanent status of the nuclear force-building policy as a cornerstone of the state. His declaration emphasizes the need to diversify and expand nuclear weapons production, along with deploying them across different services. By taking this bold step, Kim aims to safeguard North Korea’s system against perceived threats from the U.S. and its partners.

Throughout this year, Kim Jong Un has continuously made headlines with his relentless pursuit of expanding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. Proposing plans to significantly increase output, he has unveiled new systems capable of delivering nuclear strikes, including the recent launch of a tactical nuclear attack submarine. Nevertheless, doubts have been raised regarding the true capabilities of these advancements, with South Korea’s military expressing skepticism.

While Kim’s missile program has surprised skeptics in the past, experts doubt North Korea’s ability to rapidly scale up production of weapons-grade uranium and plutonium due to heavy sanctions. Nonetheless, it is estimated that the country may be able to increase the output of fissile material, potentially allowing for the creation of a limited number of nuclear bombs annually.

Kim’s recent trip to Russia, where he met President Vladimir Putin and visited weapons plants, has raised concerns about technology transfers and potential violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Speculation suggests that North Korea could obtain dual-use materials under the guise of civilian space and nuclear programs, enabling the further development of missiles and nuclear bombs. Experts highlight the risk of clandestine supplies of plutonium from Russia, potentially exacerbating North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.

North Korea’s decision to engrave its nuclear force-building policy into its constitution marks a significant and provocative move. While doubts persist regarding the country’s capacity to rapidly expand its nuclear program, it is crucial for the international community to remain vigilant. As tensions continue to escalate, the question of how neighboring countries and global powers will respond to North Korea’s determination remains open-ended.