Kim leaves door open to U.S. ties as North Korea vows nuclear buildup
by Thomas Maresca · UPISEOUL, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said there was "no reason" Pyongyang could not improve relations with the United States if Washington abandons what he called its hostile policy, while simultaneously vowing to expand the country's nuclear arsenal, according to state media reports Thursday marking the close of a major ruling party congress.
The remarks came as North Korea concluded the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea this week and staged a large nighttime military parade in Pyongyang showcasing troops and weapons systems in a display of force.
In a report delivered to party delegates and published Thursday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim said future relations with Washington depended entirely on the U.S. position.
"The U.S. policy of hegemony and tyranny has severely shaken the foundations of peace and security in places around the world," Kim said, according to KCNA.
"However, if the U.S. respects the present position of our state ... and withdraws its hostile policy toward the DPRK, there is no reason why we cannot get on well with the U.S.," he said.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.
Kim has previously expressed openness to resuming diplomacy with Washington, saying he has "fond memories" of U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom he met three times during Trump's first term.
Analysts said Kim's remarks could be another message aimed at Trump.
"So long as President Trump doesn't push denuclearization and/or regime change -- which he won't -- I'm not surprised Kim Jong Un's signaled a willingness to talk to Trump when he's ready," Sean King, senior vice president and East Asia expert at New York-based consulting firm Park Strategies, told UPI.
"Kim knows well Trump's contempt for U.S. alliances and commitments abroad, and the North Korean dictator will presumably look to make the most of this moment," King said.
The North Korean leader maintained his dismissive stance toward South Korea, however, calling it "the most hostile entity." The administration of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has sought to improve frayed inter-Korean relations -- efforts Kim described as "a clumsy deceptive farce."
Seoul's Unification Ministry responded to the remarks, saying it regretted that North Korea had not reciprocated the government's efforts toward peace.
"We will patiently and consistently pursue our policy of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, without being swayed by North Korea's attitude," the ministry said in a message to reporters.
Kim also reaffirmed Pyongyang's commitment to strengthening its nuclear deterrent, saying North Korea would continue expanding its nuclear forces under a plan to increase the number of weapons and broaden delivery systems and operational capabilities.
The KCNA report said the country would focus on improving strike systems, conducting regular tests and drills, and developing new strategic assets, including upgraded missile platforms and other advanced weapons.
In a June report, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated that North Korea possesses about 50 nuclear warheads and has enough fissile material for about 40 more. South Korean President Lee said last month that North Korea is producing enough weapons-grade material to build between 10 and 20 nuclear weapons each year.
The congress, held from Feb. 19 to 25, reviewed policy achievements over the past five years and adopted a new long-term plan emphasizing economic development alongside military modernization. Kim was reappointed general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party, cementing his leadership.
Hours after the congress closed, North Korea staged a military parade at Kim Il Sung Square late Wednesday night to commemorate the event.
KCNA said the parade featured 50 foot columns representing different military branches, aircraft flyovers and fireworks, with Kim presiding from a viewing platform alongside senior party and military officials.
Images from the event showed Kim Ju Ae, the North Korean leader's daughter, prominently accompanying her father in a matching leather coat. Her increasingly frequent public appearances have fueled outside speculation about a possible future leadership role.
KCNA did not release detailed images of strategic weapons systems displayed during the parade. In October, North Korea unveiled its Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, which state media described as the country's "most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system."