North Korea: Kim Jong Un wants 'rapid expansion' of his country's nuclear capabilities

"The current situation requires that we carry out a radical and rapid change in existing military theory and practice as well as a rapid expansion of nuclear weapons," added the leader of North Korea, which possesses nuclear weapons.

His remarks came on Monday after his visit to the domestically built destroyer Choe Hyon , where he expressed satisfaction that the ship's development into a "high-tech, nuclear-armed" vessel was progressing "as planned." Meanwhile, South Korea and its US ally launched their annual joint exercises on Monday, aimed at improving cooperation in the event of a conflict with the North.

“Defensive vocation”

The maneuvers are expected to last 11 days and include "several large-scale live ammunition training exercises," the U.S. military explained, adding that they had a "defensive purpose."

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung (center left), elected in early June, promised on Friday to "respect" the North Korean political system and build bilateral "military trust." But Pyongyang says it has no interest in easing tensions with Seoul.