Kim Jong Un Conditions Future US Relations on American Policy Changes

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that diplomatic relations between his country and the United States hinge entirely on America's approach toward North Korea. The comments came as North Korea concluded its major party congress and held a military parade Wednesday night.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un declared that the future of diplomatic ties between Pyongyang and Washington rests completely on how the United States chooses to approach his regime, according to reports from state-controlled media KCNA released Thursday.

The hermit kingdom staged a military parade Wednesday evening as part of celebrations marking the conclusion of a significant party gathering, state media reported.

Kim brought North Korea’s Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party to a close on Wednesday, announcing that the assembly had established major policy objectives for the nuclear-armed nation over the coming half-decade.

According to KCNA, Kim stated: “We have a prospective plan to strengthen our national nuclear force, and will focus on projects to increase the number of nuclear weapons and expand nuclear operational means and space for use.”

The North Korean leader suggested diplomatic possibilities with Washington, telling state media: “If the U.S. withdraws its policy of confrontation with North Korea by respecting our country’s current status… there is no reason why we cannot get along well with the U.S.”

Kim has yet to respond to diplomatic approaches from U.S. President Donald Trump, despite the two leaders holding three face-to-face meetings during Trump’s previous presidency.

In stark contrast to his measured tone regarding America, Kim delivered harsh words about South Korea, branding it the “most hostile enemy” and dismissing any possibility of negotiations with Seoul. He warned that North Korea “can initiate arbitrary action” should South Korea engage in “obnoxious behaviour” while facing the nuclear-armed North.

Kim went further in his threats against the South, declaring that “South Korea’s complete collapse cannot be ruled out,” according to KCNA’s reporting.