- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un claims his country could "completely destroy" South Korea if its security is threatened, reiterating his refusal to engage with Seoul.
- He left the door open for dialogue with Washington, but only if the United States discards its "hostile" policies towards the North.
- Kim called for developing new weapons systems, including underwater-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles and an expanded arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons targeting South Korea.
- He declared North Korea's status as a nuclear weapons state "permanently cemented" and aims for faster production of nuclear warheads and delivery systems.
- These policy goals were outlined at a Workers' Party congress, where Kim also described South Korea as a permanent enemy with "absolutely nothing to discuss".
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