Did last year’s tests of intercontinental missiles capable of reaching the United States — and a powerful underground hydrogen bomb detonation — accomplish his goal of establishing a modern nuclear state? Kim’s message seemed clear: The North had achieved its longtime goal of becoming a nuclear power — a defense capability he said would protect him and the nation from armed conflict with the United States. “The extraordinary achievement our party, our nation and our people made last year is accomplishing the great historic work of completing national nuclear power,” he said. Those, coupled with a powerful underground nuclear test in the fall, heightened alarm that the North was close to declaring itself a modern nuclear state. “Our republic is finally in possession of a strong and reliable war deterrent that cannot be reversed by any power, anything,” Kim said.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 01, 2018 04:41 UTC