North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly revealed the countries military plans for 2023
The dictator, 38, unveiled his plans for the expansion of weapons development and testing in 2023 at a Workers' Party meeting.
Discussing the 'anti-enemy struggle' with the ruling party, as revealed by a state media report, he explained that he had assessed the 'newly created challenging situation' on the Korean peninsula and elsewhere and would be taking action.
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KCNA stated the news agency said that on Wednesday (28 December) he 'specified the principles of foreign affairs and the direction of the struggle against the enemy that our party and government must thoroughly abide by in order to protect sovereign rights and defend national interests'.
The report also added: "New core goals for strengthening self-defensive capabilities to be strongly pursued in 2023 have been presented in preparation for diverse fluctuations in the political situation."
While these 'core goals' haven't been specified, the statement appears to suggest that militarisation overall will be increasing.
North Korea has tested a number of missiles during the past year, including tactical nuclear weapons, nuclear-powered submarines and a reconnaissance satellite.
But it was not just militarisation that the leader addressed at the meeting, he also pointed out 'a series of serious shortcomings' in various parts of North Korean life - namely, in science, education and health.
He went on to suggest ways to solve these problems too.
While North Korean leaders previously gave speeches on New Year's Day to discuss plans for the coming year, Reuters reports, Kim Jong Un has opted for end-of-year party gatherings to make the same announcements in recent years.
News of Kim Jong Un's plans for 2023 follows increased tension between North and South Korea after the North was accused of flying drones into its rival's airspace.
In response to these drones, which were detected for the first time in five years, South Korea retaliated by firing warning shots and launching fighter jets and helicopters, AP reports.
South Korea also went on to announce today (28 December) that it too would be increasing its military capability or 'three-axis system' - specifically, when it comes to its capacity for preemptive strikes, missile defence and retaliatory attacks.
The country also revealed on Tuesday (27 December) that they are creating a drone unit 'to monitor and reconnoitre major North Korean military facilities'.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said: "The incident showed a substantial lack of our military's preparedness and training for the past several years, and clearly confirmed the need for more intense readiness and training.
"We have been planning to establish a drone unit to monitor and reconnoitre major North Korean military facilities, and will now expedite the plan as much as possible."
Topics: News, World News, North Korea, Kim Jong-un
Emma Guinness