Kim Jong Un, leader of North Korea, recently inspected a facility that produces nuclear material and called for bolstering the country's nuclear capability, as reported by state media on Wednesday. This suggests a continued emphasis on an expansion of North Korea's nuclear arsenal. Many analysts view North Korean weapons moves as part of a strategy to win diplomatic talks with Washington that could result in aid and political concessions. During Kim's visit, he praised scientists and others for "producing weapons-grade nuclear materials and in strengthening the nuclear shield of the country." This highlights the importance of nuclear technology in North Korea. The official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim visited the nuclear-material production base and the Nuclear Weapons Institute. It didn't say where those facilities are located, but North Korean photos of Kim's visit indicated that he likely visited a uranium-enrichment facility that he went to last September. On Sunday, North Korea said it tested a cruise missile system, its third known weapons display this year. North Korea views US military training with South Korea as invasion rehearsals. The start of Trump's second term raises prospects for the revival of diplomacy between the United States and North Korea.

Kim Jong Un, leader of North Korea, recently inspected a facility that produces nuclear material and called for bolstering the country's nuclear capability, as reported by state media on Wednesday. This suggests a continued emphasis on an expansion of North Korea's nuclear arsenal. Many analysts view North Korean weapons moves as part of a strategy to win diplomatic talks with Washington that could result in aid and political concessions. During Kim's visit, he praised scientists and others for "producing weapons-grade nuclear materials and in strengthening the nuclear shield of the country." This highlights the importance of nuclear technology in North Korea. The official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim visited the nuclear-material production base and the Nuclear Weapons Institute. It didn't say where those facilities are located, but North Korean photos of Kim's visit indicated that he likely visited a uranium-enrichment facility that he went to last September. On Sunday, North Korea said it tested a cruise missile system, its third known weapons display this year. North Korea views US military training with South Korea as invasion rehearsals. The start of Trump's second term raises prospects for the revival of diplomacy between the United States and North Korea.