North Korean Leader Emphasizes the Need to Strengthen Nuclear Power

North Korea's official news agency reports that the country's leader personally oversaw the recent ballistic missile tests and emphasized the necessity of what is termed 'strengthening North Korea's nuclear power.' According to the only news agency in North Korea, Kim Jong-un was present during the ballistic missile launches on September 6. On Monday, North Korea conducted tests of three medium-range ballistic missiles of the 'Rodong' type, in violation of existing international resolutions, while leaders from 20 major world economies gathered in Hangzhou, China, North Korea's main supporter. The official North Korean news agency stated that Kim Jong-un 'emphasized the need to achieve miraculous results for increasing nuclear power this year, one after another.' The third leader from the Kim family called for 'increasing unit capabilities' and 'improving the performance of ballistic missiles for practical action.' The recent missile launches in North Korea mark the second ballistic test within two weeks; earlier in September, Pyongyang launched a missile from a submarine, which South Korean officials assessed as 'more advanced' than previous ones. Since Kim Jong-un came to power, North Korea has conducted over 30 ballistic missile tests, and he has also ordered a fourth nuclear test. Following the fourth nuclear test by Pyongyang, the UN Security Council intensified its sanctions against the country. The recent tests have also drawn international reactions. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, urged Pyongyang to fulfill its international obligations instead of engaging in 'provocative' actions in the region. The South Korean Ministry of Defense described the launch of the three medium-range ballistic missiles as 'a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions,' attributing it to 'nuclear and missile displays during the G20 summit.' Japan's Ministry of Defense, where North Korean missiles were launched into its exclusive economic zone in the East Sea/Japan Sea, expressed 'serious concern,' stating that this issue poses 'a very serious threat' to its national security. The UN Security Council members are set to meet on Thursday to discuss the recent tests. Some analysts believe that China will try to prevent the collapse of North Korea in light of extensive economic sanctions against Pyongyang. Among these individuals is Donald Kirk, a veteran journalist in South and North East Asia, who wrote in an article for the Hong Kong newspaper 'South China Morning Post' that although Beijing does not want to see an increase in North Korea's nuclear power, it enables the country's survival by circumventing UN sanctions. Pyongyang's economy is heavily reliant on the export of raw materials, such as coal. This year, North Korea has faced severe food shortages, prompting the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to warn in May of the risk of worsening famine and hunger conditions for its residents.