• Kim Jong-un emphasizes North Korea's goal to expand its nuclear arsenal.
• The meeting of the Workers' Party outlined new military and economic strategies.
• North Korea criticizes the US and South Korea for exacerbating tensions.
• The regime plans to construct a 10,000-ton missile cruiser.
• There is a strong focus on improving the coal industry as part of economic growth efforts.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for a significant enhancement of the country's nuclear arsenal during a three-day plenary meeting of the Workers' Party. He urged officials to strengthen defense capabilities with the aim of "overtaking the world," according to reports from state media SCMP, Reuters, and India Times.

At this plenary session, which reviewed North Korea's progress and strategic goals, Kim reinforced the view that the country's nuclear forces are central to its military sovereignty and vital for any conflict deterrence strategy. He stated that exercising their position as a nuclear power is essential to navigate the complex global security landscape, repeatedly criticizing the U.S. and its allies for aggressive stances, allegedly worsened violence in Europe and the Middle East, as noted by SCMP and Reuters.

Kim outlined plans to accelerate the construction of a 10,000-ton-class strategic guided missile cruiser, highlighting the enhanced military infrastructure North Korea seeks. The party assembly also addressed the hostile relationship with South Korea, naming it the most adverse state, particularly in light of the U.S.-South Korea military cooperations like the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), which Pyongyang claims is a mechanism designed for conflict against it, according to India Times.

In addition to military advancements, Kim demonstrated concern over North Korea's coal industry, calling its modernization crucial for long-term economic progress and endorsing it as essential for alleviating the country's persistent energy shortages. This strategic prioritization was echoed in the discussions held by Reuters and India Times.