North Korea: UN report says Pyongyang continued to develop nuclear, ballistic missile programs in 2021

North Korea faced international criticism due to its weapon tests that became more frequent in the past month. A classified United Nations report also revealed as of late that Pyongyang has continued to develop its nuclear and ballistic missile programs throughout the year in 2021.

A confidential UN report seen by Reuters over the weekend revealed that North Korea has been developing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in 2021. The report also revealed that North Korea has brought in a lot of revenue from cyberattacks on cryptocurrency exchanges. The report by the independent sanctions monitors was submitted to the UN Security Council North Korea Sanctions Committee Friday last week.

“Although no nuclear tests or launches of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) were reported, DPRK continued to develop its capability for production of nuclear materials,” said the assessment.

“Maintenance and development of DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure continued, and DPRK continued to seek material, technology, and know-how for these programs overseas, including through cyber means and joint scientific research,” said the report.

North Korea has been barred from further developing its nuclear program and conducting tests and launches by the UN Security Council. Pyongyang has since faced UN sanctions that have been bolstered over the years by the group in an effort to target the funding for North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The report also noted that there was a “marked acceleration” of Pyongyang’s missile testing.

Friday last week, the US announced that North Korea conducted nine missile launches, the largest monthly number in its history of developing weapons.

In other related news, the Beijing Olympics is already underway, and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un praised his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for successfully commencing the major sporting events. In a letter, Kim described the Beijing Winter Olympics as “a great victory” and said that he wants to improve relations between China and North Korea, according to state news agency KCNA Friday last week.

“The successful opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics despite the worldwide health crisis and unprecedented severe circumstances is another great victory won by socialist China,” said the North Korean leader in a letter to Xi.