North Korean Leader Calls for Major Expansion of Nuclear Arsenal

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered a significant increase in nuclear material production during a visit to a new nuclear facility, calling for exponential expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal. Kim emphasized the strategic importance of nuclear deterrence as production has more than doubled over the past five years. North Korea views its nuclear weapons program as essential protection against potential attacks from South Korea and U.S. forces stationed there, maintaining its nuclear arsenal as a cornerstone of national defense strategy.