North Korea calls for 'toughest' US strategy at party meeting

North Korea pledged to launch its "toughest anti-US counteraction" as leader Kim Jong Un outlined the country's strategy for 2025 during a five-day Workers' Party meeting, state media reported Monday.

The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) accused the United States of pursuing anti-communist policies and slammed its alliances with South Korea and Japan, claiming they had evolved into a "nuclear military bloc for aggression."

"South Korea has turned into an out-and-out anti-communist outpost of the US," KCNA said, highlighting Pyongyang's growing hostility toward its southern neighbor.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un chairs a meeting of the country's ruling party, in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released on December 29, 2024 by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency.Reuters

Kim’s speech emphasized the need for a robust counterstrategy against the US and its allies, though specific actions were not disclosed. KCNA quoted Kim, saying, "This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how."

The meeting also reviewed North Korea's response to widespread flooding earlier this year and vowed to strengthen ties with "friendly" nations.

closer ties with Russia

North Korea’s deepening relationship with Russia was another key focus. A defense pact signed in June between Pyongyang and Moscow came into force this month, marking a significant milestone in their military cooperation.

FILE PHOTO: Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attend a state reception in Pyongyang, North Korea June 19, 2024. Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a New Year’s message to Kim, praising the pact as a "breakthrough document" and celebrating the elevation of bilateral ties following their June talks in Pyongyang, state media reported.

Seoul’s military recently alleged that over 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured while fighting in Ukraine under a military deal with Moscow. Ukraine's allies have condemned North Korea's involvement, calling it a “dangerous expansion” of the conflict.

criticism of South Korea

North Korea’s criticism of South Korea, Japan, and the US underscores escalating tensions in the region. The KCNA report labeled the US "the most reactionary state" and accused its alliances of exacerbating aggression against Pyongyang.

Such meetings and speeches are often used by North Korea to signal major policy shifts or announcements, as the nation navigates both regional dynamics and its internal challenges.