Kim Jong Un vows to 'exponentially strengthen' nuclear force during visit to facility

 Kim Jong Un called for an "exponential" expansion of North Korea's nuclear arsenal during a visit to an atomic material production facility, reported state media on Thursday.

The Supreme Leader said production capacity for weapons-grade nuclear material had reached more than double its previous level over the past five years. He ordered officials to further increase output to meet long-term strategic goals.

During the visit, Kim was briefed on new production techniques using more advanced technology and reviewed current output targets and future plans, state media reported. Kim said the expansion was needed due to what he described as worsening security threats and long-term confrontation with hostile forces.

He reaffirmed the country's stance on continuously increasing its nuclear deterrent.

State media said there was an important consultative meeting on bolstering nuclear forces on the same day as the visit, during which Kim outlined guidelines for accelerating both the qualitative and quantitative expansion of North Korea's nuclear capabilities.

Kim said the country made "responsible and significant decisions," including setting out the sequence and safeguards for performing a "vast plan" to strengthen nuclear forces "exponentially."

North Korea had "set a transformative milestone for the advancement of nuclear capabilities," he said.

Chilling policy

Kim's demands come after North Korea changed its constitution, requiring the military to launch a retaliatory nuclear strike if the Supreme Leader is assassinated by a foreign adversary.