N. Korea's Kim calls for bolstering nuclear forces 'without limitation,' completing war preparations

Pyongyang aims at further strengthening its nuclear arsenal as part of plans to counter hostile U.S. policies and threats

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for bolstering the country's nuclear forces "without limitation" and completing war preparations to counter what he described as hostile U.S. policies and threats. Kim made the remarks during a key party meeting in Pyongyang, state media reported on Sunday.

The meeting of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Military Commission came amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula over the North's recent missile tests and concerns about a possible nuclear test in the near future.

Kim said the country should "redouble efforts to overwhelmingly beef up the military muscle" and stressed the need for "an exponential increase" in the country's nuclear arsenal.

He also emphasized the importance of completing war preparations to "crush any military provocation by the hostile forces" and deter war itself.

Kim's remarks suggest that North Korea is determined to continue developing its nuclear weapons program despite international condemnation and sanctions.

The United States and its allies have repeatedly warned North Korea against conducting a nuclear test, saying it would be a serious provocation that would further destabilize the region.

North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests in recent months, including the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could potentially reach the United States.

The Biden administration has said it is committed to diplomacy and dialogue with North Korea, but has also made it clear that it will not tolerate Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.

The U.S. and South Korea recently conducted joint military exercises in a show of force against North Korea's missile launches.

The North Korean military has denounced the drills as a provocation and warned of "strong countermeasures" if they continue.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains tense, with both North Korea and the U.S.-South Korea alliance showing no signs of backing down.

Experts say the risk of a military conflict on the peninsula is rising, and they have urged all parties involved to engage in dialogue to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation.