AP
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North Korea leader Kim Jong an inspected an installation that produces nuclear material and asked to strengthen the nuclear capacity of the country, state media reported Wednesday, while the pressure on the United States increases after the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
Kim’s visit suggests that North Korea continues to emphasize the expansion of nuclear arsenal, although Trump said he is willing to speak with Kim to reactivate diplomacy. Many analysts consider that North Korean arms measures are part of a strategy to win diplomatic conversations with Washington that could result in help and political concessions.
The Central News Agency of Korea reported that Kim visited the base of production of nuclear material and the Institute of Nuclear Weapons.
It was not indicated where these facilities are located, but the North Korean photos of Kim’s visit indicated that he probably visited a uranium enrichment installation that was last September. That visit was the first revelation of North Korea on a uranium enrichment installation since he showed an American visiting academics in 2010.
During his last visit, Kim praised scientists and others for “producing nuclear materials suitable for weapons and strengthening the country’s nuclear shield.”
North Korea said Sunday that he had tried a cruise missile system, his third known weapons exhibition this year, and promised the “tougher” response to what he called the escalation of military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
North Korea considers that the military exercises of the United States with South Korea are invasion trials, although Washington and Seoul have repeatedly said that their exercises are of a defensive nature. In recent years, the United States and South Korea have expanded their military exercises in response to the advance of the North Korean nuclear program.
The beginning of Trump’s second term opens perspectives for a reactivation of diplomacy between the United States and North Korea, since Trump met with Kim three times during his first mandate. The diplomacy between Trump and Kim in 2018-19 collapsed due to disputes over economic sanctions led by the United States against North Korea.
During an interview with Fox News broadcast on Thursday, Trump described Kim as “an intelligent guy” and “not a religious fanatic.” When asked if he will communicate with Kim again, Trump replied: “Yes, I will.”
Many experts say that Kim probably thinks he has greater negotiation power than in his previous round of diplomacy with Trump due to the greater nuclear arsenal of his country and the deepening of his military ties with Russia.
(Tagstotranslate) North Korea (T) Kim Jong A (T) Nuclear Arsenal
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