North Korea's promised military upgrades are a tall order — and an empty threat



News North Korea’s promised military upgrades are a tall order — and an empty threat North Korea vowed to up long-range nuclear strike capabilities, but experts say that’s a two-sided message Won-Gi Jung January 9, 2021 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON Rodong Sinmun North Korea vowed to ramp up its long-range nuclear strike capabilities and other key military technology on Saturday in what experts say is both a threatening message to the United States and a subtle call for dialogue. But experts also believe that some of North Korea's military goals are both unrealistic and an empty threat — especially since Pyongyang appears to be leaving the door open for dialogue. For the fourth day in a row, Kim Jong Un reportedly met with thousands of delegates for the country’s Eighth Party Congress, where leaders decided that the country will upgrade weapons that can “annihilate strategic targets” within a 15,000-kilometer (9,320 miles) range. That’s far enough to strike Washington all the way from Pyongyang, leaving experts to believe that state media wanted to create a stir on Capitol Hill. North Korea vowed to ramp up its long-range nuclear strike capabilities and other key military technology on Saturday in what experts say is both a threatening message to the United States and a subtle call for dialogue. But experts also believe that some of North Korea's military goals are both unrealistic and an empty threat — especially since Pyongyang appears to be leaving the door open for dialogue. For the fourth day in a row, Kim Jong Un reportedly met with thousands of delegates for the country’s Eighth Party Congress, where leaders decided that the country will upgrade weapons that can “annihilate strategic targets” within a 15,000-kilometer (9,320 miles) range. That’s far enough to strike Washington all the way from Pyongyang, leaving experts to believe that state media wanted to create a stir on Capitol Hill. Become a member for less than $5.75 per week. Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

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North Korea’s promised military upgrades are a tall order — and an empty threat

North Korea vowed to up long-range nuclear strike capabilities, but experts say that’s a two-sided message

Won-Gi Jung January 9, 2021

North Korea’s promised military upgrades are a tall order — and an empty threat

Rodong Sinmun

North Korea vowed to ramp up its long-range nuclear strike capabilities and other key military technology on Saturday in what experts say is both a threatening message to the United States and a subtle call for dialogue. But experts also believe that some of North Korea's military goals are both unrealistic and an empty threat — especially since Pyongyang appears to be leaving the door open for dialogue.

For the fourth day in a row, Kim Jong Un reportedly met with thousands of delegates for the country’s Eighth Party Congress, where leaders decided that the country will upgrade weapons that can “annihilate strategic targets” within a 15,000-kilometer (9,320 miles) range. That’s far enough to strike Washington all the way from Pyongyang, leaving experts to believe that state media wanted to create a stir on Capitol Hill.