Kim condemns US-South Korea submarine pact, vows naval nuclear buildup

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sharply criticized a defense agreement between the United States and South Korea to develop nuclear-powered submarines, labeling it a severe threat to regional stability. According to a report released Thursday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim made the remarks while touring the construction site of a new strategic submarine, framing the allied pact as a direct provocation.

Military Buildup and Alleged Provocations

Kim stated that Seoul's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines with US support "will worsen the instability in the region of the Korean Peninsula." He characterized the plan as "an offensive act severely violating its security and maritime sovereignty," declaring it a threat that "must be countered." In response, he emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the "modernization and nuclear weaponization" of North Korea's naval forces. The KCNA report confirmed the ongoing development of a nuclear-powered submarine equipped with guided missiles, a project initially announced in March.

Weapons Tests and Russian Alliance

The report coincided with news of a recent weapons test, noting that Kim observed the successful launch of a "new-type high-altitude long-range anti-air missile" on Wednesday. This display of military development unfolds alongside Pyongyang's deepening collaboration with Moscow. A separate KCNA dispatch detailed a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who thanked Kim for North Korea's "ongoing military support" in the war in Ukraine. The message cited the deployment of North Korean military engineers to Russia's Kursk region as proof of "invincible friendship" between the two nations. South Korean intelligence has previously reported significant North Korean troop deployments to aid Russia, alleging substantial casualties.

Regional Implications and Global Context

The convergence of North Korea's advancing military programs, its vocal condemnation of US-South Korea cooperation, and its overt partnership with Russia marks a significant escalation in regional tensions. Such developments directly impact global non-proliferation efforts and security dynamics in Northeast Asia, a region where Türkiye advocates for diplomatic solutions and stability. The situation underscores a growing axis of cooperation among states facing Western sanctions, challenging existing international security architectures.