North Korea says it will expand nuclear force and spying operations

North Korea has said it will strengthen its nuclear force in both quality and quantity and expand the role of its military intelligence agency focused on South Korea. The announcement was reported by state media after an enlarged meeting of the ruling party's central military commission on Thursday. It comes as tensions on the Korean peninsula remain high and the two Koreas are still technically at war.

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According to the report, the meeting decided on measures to bolster the nuclear force "both in quality and quantity." It also called for broadly expanding the functions and missions of the General Reconnaissance and Intelligence Bureau, which is responsible for operations involving South Korea. The agency was described as playing a pivotal role in countering perceived threats and gathering key information. The decision adds to concerns over North Korea's military posture at a time when it remains under widespread sanctions over its nuclear programme.

The country has repeatedly rejected South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's outreach, calling Seoul its "most hostile" enemy and describing itself as an "irreversible" nuclear state. Analysts say the latest language suggests Pyongyang is continuing to harden its position toward the South. The announcement is also significant because it links nuclear development with intelligence and reconnaissance activity.

That combination points to a broader effort to improve both deterrence and information-gathering capabilities. It may also affect regional security calculations for South Korea, the United States and other governments watching North Korea's weapons programme. The two Koreas have remained divided since the 1950-53 war ended without a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula in a state of armistice rather than formal peace.

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In recent years, North Korea has continued to advance its weapons programme while rejecting diplomatic overtures from Seoul. The latest decision appears to fit that pattern, reinforcing a more confrontational stance. What remains unclear is how quickly the announced measures will be implemented and what specific changes will follow for the nuclear force and intelligence bureau.

It is also not yet clear whether the move will lead to any immediate response from South Korea or its allies. For now, the statement signals continued escalation in North Korea's military and intelligence priorities.

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