Kim Jong Un urges North Korea’s navy to stay ready for potential invasion

Aug. 29 (UPI) — In a speech commemorating North Korea’s Navy Day at the country’s naval headquarters, Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, called on his military to be ready for a “more frantic” invasion by nations allied with the United States.

According to official state media, Kim stated that the Navy needed to modernize in response to recent aggressive attempts by their enemies and the changing character of military actions.

Kim expressed concern about the United States becoming increasingly frantic and recommended fully arming officers and men at all levels with the Party’s Juche-oriented naval and underwater war methods. He emphasized the importance of developing new strategic and tactical plans to adapt to ever-changing patterns of naval warfare.

These remarks come as the United States, South Korea, and Japan engage in trilateral military drills in the Sea of Japan. The exercises involve the USS Benfold, a destroyer of the Arleigh Burke-class, along with Japan’s JS Haguro and South Korea’s Yulgok Yi I. The primary focus of the drills is the interception of ballistic missiles using the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, which all three vessels are equipped with.

In addition to addressing military preparations, Kim also mentioned the specter of nuclear war in his speech. He attributed the increased danger of such a conflict to the “reckless confrontational moves” of the United States and other hostile forces.

This event was notable for featuring Kim Jong Un’s daughter in a rare public appearance alongside her father.

U.S. officials responded with caution to Kim’s comments. When asked about the reference to nuclear war, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to provide a specific response, instead highlighting the recent trilateral exercise that followed the Camp David summit and strengthened the relationship between the United States, Japan, and South Korea.