00:00North Korea has vowed to further strengthen its nuclear force while expanding its military
00:06intelligence agency focused on South Korea. State media reports that plans were discussed
00:11during a meeting of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Military Commission on Thursday.
00:18South Korea's unification ministry said it was closely monitoring developments related to the
00:24North Korean unit's expansion. The announcement comes amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula,
00:29with Pyongyang this year declaring South Korea its most hostile enemy and reaffirming its status as a
00:35nuclear state. North Korea also revised its constitution in May, removing references to
00:41reunification and redefining its territory in relation to South Korea. Analysts say Pyongyang
00:47is likely seeking advanced military technology, including surveillance satellites, in return for
00:53its support of Russia's war in Ukraine. The country successfully launched a military spy satellite
00:58in 2023, claiming it could monitor major US and South Korean military facilities.
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