North Korea’s Kim vows to bolster war readiness to repel US-led confrontations

News Snapshot:

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for bolstered war readiness to repel what he said were unprecedented United States-led confrontational moves, state media reported on Thursday, as rival South Korea vowed a stern retaliation against any provocations by the North. Kim’s comments during the key political meeting tasked with setting state objectives for 2024 indicated North Korea will likely continue weapons tests to modernize its nuclear arsenal. Observers say Kim likely hopes to eventually use his boosted arsenal as leverage in potential diplomacy with Washington, possibly after the 2024 US presidential election in November. During Wednesday’s second-day session of...