Ready For Confrontation With The United States, Kim Jong-un: Protect The Dignity Of The Country

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (Wikimedia Commons/US Department of State)

JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stressed that his country is ready for any eventuality related to the United States (US), including confrontation, when asked for comments on President Joe Biden's administration.

The statement was issued in the plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Labor Party, Thursday, June 17 yesterday. North Korean media KCNA said Kim had made a detailed analysis of the US government's policies under President Joe Biden towards Pyongyang. And, have devised the right strategic and tactical countermeasures.

"The Secretary-General stressed the need to get ready for dialogue and confrontation, especially to be fully prepared for confrontation, in order to protect the dignity of our country and its interests for independent development", KCNA said.

On the occasion, Kim Jong-un also stressed the need to create a favorable external climate for North Korean initiatives. KCNA said this step could guarantee a peaceful and safe environment for North Korea.

Nuclear affairs expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US Vipin Narang said Kim's comments continued a 'wait and see' policy while refraining from provoking the Joe Biden Administration.

"This shows Pyongyang thinks the 'ball' is in the hands of the United States at the moment while waiting to see how President Biden's administration goes", he said.

"Given the reports on North Korean food and the COVID-19 situation, people suspect that Kim Jong-un also wants to avoid a short-term confrontation".

Diplomats and analysts say North Korea is experiencing widespread food shortages after a crop-destroying typhoon last year. Meanwhile, there are concerns that COVID-19 could occur in the country despite no official acknowledgment by the Kim regime. The border closures are hitting an economy already hard hit by international sanctions.

Earlier, Kim Jong-un on Wednesday said North Korea's overall economy improved in the first half of this year. Total domestic industrial output grew by 25 percent compared to last year. Although, at the same time he called for steps to anticipate the food crisis.