Nuclear Tensions

[Anchor Lead]

On the day US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the US ready is to talk with North Korea without pre-conditions, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared the country has completed its nuclear program. While Washington lowers the threshold for talks, Kim Jong-un is trying to expand the North's nuclear arsenal.

[Pkg]

North Korean media have reported that during a munitions industry conference solely attended by officials related to nuclear arms development, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared the country has completed becoming a nuclear power.

[Soundbite] (Korea Central TV (N. Korea, Dec. 13)) : "The 8th Conference of the Munitions Industry has ended. Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un made a historic declaration at the meeting."

He said North Korea will further advance into the world's strongest nuclear power.

[Soundbite] (Korea Central TV (N. Korea, Dec. 13)) : "Defense scientists and munitions laborers will improve nuclear weapons in qualitative terms and produce more cutting edge equipment in our own North Korean style."

This means that Pyongyang will continue to strive to expand and improve its nuclear arsenal in quantity and quality even after completing its nuclear power development. Experts believe North Korea's provocations will therefore continue.

[Soundbite] Go Yeong-hwan(Institute for Nat'l Security Strategy) : "The U.S. is also concerned that North Korea could possess the atmospheric re-entry technology in about three months. For this goal, the North will continue its provocations."

During the conference, Kim Jong-un gave rewards to nuclear weapons developers. He personally handed out commendations as well as Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il watches, named after the North's former leaders, to officials credited for developing the Hwasong-15 missile. The young leader also took photos with conference participants and hosted a celebratory banquet for the missile developers at the Magnolia House and the People's Palace of Culture in Pyongyang.