North Korea's Kim says missile tests 'necessary' amid 'geopolitical crisis'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has justified his country's latest missile tests as an essential measure in light of the ongoing "geopolitical crisis and complicated international events." The remarks follow Sunday's launch of hypersonic missiles from the Ryokpho district of Pyongyang, which reportedly hit targets 1,000 kilometers away.

Details of the Test and Strategic Rationale

According to state media KCNA, Kim stated the launch confirmed the completion of a "very important technology task for national defense" and demonstrated the readiness of North Korea's nuclear forces. He asserted that "important achievements" have been made in preparing these forces for actual war and emphasized the need to "continuously upgrade military means, especially offensive weapon systems." Kim framed the activity as aimed at placing the "nuclear war deterrent on a highly developed basis."

Context of US Action in Venezuela

Kim's comments implicitly reference the recent US military operation in Venezuela, a pre-dawn raid on Saturday that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The North Korean leader pointed to such events as exemplifying the complex international landscape that necessitates Pyongyang's military advancements. This linkage underscores how regional crises can be used to validate North Korea's persistent weapons development, complicating global non-proliferation efforts and regional security in Northeast Asia, a concern shared by neighboring nations and the broader international community.