North Korea has passed legislation declaring itself a nuclear weapons state.

Meanwhile, tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated as Pyongyang has fired a record number of ballistic missiles. South Korea and the US responded with missile launches and the biggest military drills in the Gulf in years.

A month ago, Mr. Kim said, “Our armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any crisis, and our country’s nuclear war deterrent is ready to mobilize its full force diligently, precisely and quickly in accordance with its mission.” He accused North Korea of ​​”demonizing” the United States to justify its hostile policies. Mr Kim said the US-South Korea regular military drills aimed at North Korea highlight US “double standards” and “gangster-like” aspects because North Korea’s regular military activities, including its missile tests, are used as a trigger or reference. Threats.

South Korea said it “deeply regrets” Mr Kim’s threats and said it was ready to deal “forcefully and effectively” with any provocation by North Korea. Experts said last month that North Korea will continue to escalate its threats against the US and South Korea as the allies prepare to expand winter drills. In recent years, the South Korean and U.S. militaries have canceled or scaled back some of their regular drills because of the threat of Covid-19 and in hopes of persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear program in return. Economic and political benefits.