North Korea’s Kim Jong-un set to signal stronger nuclear deterrence posture at congress

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Park Chan-kyongJanuary 31, 2026 at 02:30 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

North Korea, led by Kim Jong-un, is expected to use the upcoming Workers’ Party congress to announce plans to strengthen its nuclear deterrence capabilities, signaling a potential escalation towards large-scale nuclear retaliation against the US. Analysts anticipate Pyongyang will unveil plans for the combat deployment of nuclear weapons, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching American cities. Kim foreshadowed this move by stating he would announce next-phase plans to bolster the country’s nuclear war deterrent. Experts predict North Korea will continue developing ICBM re-entry technology and multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles. This announcement follows Kim's oversight of a test-firing of an upgraded large-calibre multiple rocket launcher system, which he deemed significant for improving strategic deterrence.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

This Week in Asia 30% Oh Gyeong-seob 50% Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU) 50% Pyongyang 60% Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) ×370% Workers’ Party 70% United States 80% Kim Jong-un ×290% North Korea ×395%

Keywords

nuclear deterrence 100% north korea 90% icbm 80% nuclear weapons 70% kim jong-un 60% workers’ party congress 60% re-entry technology 50% strategic deterrence 50% multiple rocket launcher system 40%