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Kim Jong Un calls for increased weapons production amid rising tensions

North Korean scientists told to ramp up work amid rising tensions.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material, according to state media.

The Korean Central News Agency report followed seven missile launches this month and rising tensions during a series of military exercises between the US and South Korea.

Officials say North Korea could move to more provocative displays, possibly including its first test detonation of a nuclear device since September 2017.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, talks with military officials (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, talks with military officials (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)

He examined the country’s established plans for nuclear counterattacks as scientists briefed him on the North’s latest nuclear-capable weapons systems and progress in technologies for mounting nuclear warheads on missiles.

The agency also said North Korea detonated mock warheads during tests of nuclear-capable missiles and a purported underwater attack drone – a day after neighbouring militaries detected two short-range ballistic missiles fired toward waters off its eastern coast.

A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, March 28, 2023
A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station on Tuesday (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

The USS Nimitz and the other warships pulled into the South Korean mainland port of Busan on Tuesday.

North Korea is coming off a record year in weapons testing, launching more than 70 missiles in 2022.

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