North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has directed the nation’s military, munitions industry, and nuclear weapons sector to expedite war preparations in response to what he termed as unprecedented confrontational actions by the U.S., according to state media reports on Thursday.

Kim outlined these policy directives during a crucial meeting of the country’s ruling party on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for heightened military readiness. 

Additionally, he announced plans to expand strategic cooperation with “anti-imperialist independent” nations, a move likely aimed at bolstering alliances in the face of perceived external threats.

Amid accusations by Washington that North Korea has been supplying military equipment to Russia for its conflict with Ukraine, and with Russia providing technical support to enhance North Korea’s military capabilities, Kim emphasized the urgency of accelerating war preparations. 

The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim specified “militant tasks for the People’s Army and the munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defense sectors.”

“He (Kim) set forth the militant tasks for the People’s Army and the munitions industry, nuclear weapons and civil defence sectors to further accelerate the war preparations,” the KCNA said.

On a separate note, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a frontline military unit in Yeoncheon to inspect its defense posture, urging immediate and resolute retaliation in case of provocations from North Korea.

During the party plenum, Kim also outlined economic goals for the upcoming year, deeming it a “decisive year” to achieve the nation’s five-year development plan. KCNA reported that Kim emphasized the need to dynamically advance key industrial sectors and stabilize agricultural production at a high level.

While North Korea experienced an estimated increase in crop output in 2023 due to favorable weather conditions, international experts have warned about chronic food shortages. Kim’s economic goals aim to address these challenges, with a focus on stabilizing agricultural production.

The recent 9th plenary meeting of the 8th central committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea served as a platform for key policy announcements, wrapping up a year marked by the enshrinement of the nuclear policy in North Korea’s constitution, the launch of a spy satellite, and the testing of a new intercontinental ballistic missile. 

Traditionally, state media releases Kim’s New Year’s Day speech during this period, providing insights into the nation’s priorities and strategies.