North Korea’s Kim Jong Un sacks top general, calls for more arms production
Al JazeeraAug 08, 2023
Kim Jong Un Demands 'Drastic Boost' in Weapons Production
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Image copyright: Flickr [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
North Korea's state media reported Monday that Kim Jong Un has called for a "drastic boost" in the production of missiles, rocket-launcher shells, and other weapons to meet the needs of frontline military units.
On Friday and Saturday, the reclusive leader visited military plants for the second time in recent weeks to observe the manufacturing of tactical missiles, mobile launch platforms, and artillery shells.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
When Washington was truly committed to de-escalating tensions with North Korea, Pyongyang responded positively, halting missile tests and demolishing several testing sites. This changed when the US began to increase its military presence in the Asia-Pacific, posing an existential threat to the DPRK. Carrying out provocative drills will only escalate tensions.
Pro-establishment narrative
Seoul and Washington have demonstrated goodwill toward Pyongyang in the hopes of creating an environment conducive to disarmament talks for four years. However, as North Korea has failed to make good on its promises — resuming its missile tests and further developing its nuclear program — a posture shift is necessary for the South and its allies to prepare for an attack from the North.
