Kim re-elected as North Korea flaunts nuclear advances at rare party congress – Firstpost

North Korea has spotlighted its nuclear progress as leader Kim Jong Un was re-elected general secretary of the ruling party during a rare national congress, according to state media. The once-in-five-years gathering of the Workers’ Party brought thousands of senior officials to Pyongyang.

Military leaders made a “pledge of loyalty” as delegates formally approved Kim’s continuation at the helm, underscoring his firm grip on power. The congress also credited Kim with significantly strengthening the country’s nuclear capabilities to deter perceived external threats.

“He has energetically led the work to turn the Korean People’s Army, the pivot of national defence and pillar of safeguarding peace, into an elite and powerful army,” a party statement said. “And thus (he has) built the revolutionary armed forces capable of coping with any threat of aggression on their own initiative and fully prepared for any form of war.”

Nuclear programme and global signals

The congress is expected to outline the next phase of North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme, which has evolved dramatically under Kim. Once viewed as a limited threat, Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal is now regarded as a serious strategic challenge, with efforts focused on developing compact warheads and long-range delivery systems.

Images released ahead of the congress showed large nuclear-capable rocket launchers displayed prominently, highlighting the regime’s military ambitions.

Meanwhile, Xi Jinping congratulated Kim, describing the moment as the start of a “new chapter” in ties between the two countries. Kim’s growing global profile was also evident when he appeared alongside Xi and Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Beijing last year.

Analysts are closely watching the congress for signals on Pyongyang’s future direction, including whether Kim will maintain his hardline stance toward the United States or reopen the door to diplomacy.