North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un visited the North Korean Nuclear Weapons Institute and an unnamed nuclear material production base, KCNA reported.
Kim stated that "a long-term confrontation with the most vicious hostile countries is inevitable," adding that stockpiling nuclear weapons was their means of containing North Korea's enemies. He ordered that the plan for producing weapons-grade nuclear materials be exceeded and that the country's nuclear shield, which he called "indispensable," be strengthened.
Last week, the North Korean Foreign Ministry said it would employ "a very hard-line stance" against the United States, calling it the "best option" for dealing with the country.