North Korea: Kim Jong-un vows to have the most powerful nuclear force in the world

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said that his ultimate goal was to make the isolated nation the most powerful nuclear force in the world. Kim’s comments follow the nation’s multiple weapons tests this year.

North Korean state media outlet KCNA reported that Kim announced his ultimate goal Saturday while promoting dozens of military officers that were involved in the recent launching of North Korea’s ballistic missile, the Hwasong-17. Kim said that the country was building a nuclear force that would protect its dignity and sovereignty and that the nation’s “ultimate goal is to possess the world’s most powerful strategic force, the absolute force unprecedented in the country.”

Kim described the Hwasong-17 missile as the “world’s strongest strategic weapon” as an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States. The North Korean leader said the missile was an indication of North Korea’s intention and capability to build the strongest army in the world.

Kim also said that the scientists involved made “wonderful” progress in their development of technology mounting nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles. The ability is important if Pyongyang wants to achieve its goal of possessing a nuclear weapon that could target Washington.

The North Korean leader’s comments follow the November 18 launch by Pyongyang of an ICBM. The launch was condemned by members of the United Nations Security Council, which called it a “serious escalation” and a “threat to international peace and stability.” The launch at that time was also part of a series of missile launches carried out by North Korea.

KCNA also reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping relayed to Kim that Beijing wants to work with Pyongyang for peace. Xi said that China was willing to work together with North Korea for “peace, stability, development, and prosperity of the region and the world.”

Prior to the November 18 launch, Xi met with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G20 summit, stressing that Beijing does not want to see a further escalation by North Korea. Washington has previously said it wants China to use its influence to sway North Korea against any potential escalation.