Kim Jong-un unveiled a new North Korean nuclear facility and announced that its capacity had doubled

Bloomberg reports this, citing the North Korean state news agency KCNA. Reuters and AP also report that, in the published photographs, the facility resembles a uranium enrichment plant, likely linked to the Yongbyon nuclear complex.

Kim Jong-un visited a new nuclear materials production facility in North Korea. The state news agency KCNA described it as a “newly built nuclear materials production plant”, but did not disclose its location.

In photos released by North Korean state media, Kim is seen inspecting a room that resembles a uranium enrichment hall. Analysts suggest that this is a new facility within the Yongbyon nuclear complex.

What Kim Jong-un said

According to KCNA, Kim Jong-un stated that the DPRK’s production capacity for weapons-grade materials had “more than doubled” over the past five years.

He also called for a further “exponential” expansion of the country’s nuclear forces. KCNA did not provide any details regarding the new plans.

Reuters reports that during the same trip, discussions took place on further strengthening the DPRK’s nuclear forces “in both qualitative and quantitative terms”.

Why this matters

The public display of the new nuclear facility took place against the backdrop of reports of a possible visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to Pyongyang.

When Xi last visited the DPRK in 2019, he urged Kim to make progress in nuclear talks with the US. At the same time, the negotiation process between Washington and Pyongyang is currently at a standstill.

The AP notes that Kim is attempting to cement the perception of the DPRK as a de facto nuclear power and strengthen Pyongyang’s position ahead of potential diplomatic contacts.

What the IAEA says

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi previously warned that North Korea had significantly expanded its nuclear weapons production capabilities.

According to him, activity has increased at key sites, particularly at the Yongbyon nuclear complex. Reuters reported that the IAEA has detected signs of new enrichment infrastructure and increased activity at North Korea’s nuclear facilities.

The AP notes that this is the third time North Korea has publicly acknowledged the existence of a uranium enrichment facility. Meanwhile, South Korean officials have previously stated that the DPRK may be operating four such facilities on a regular basis.

Can the DPRK’s claims be verified?

It is impossible to independently verify the DPRK’s claims regarding the doubling of its production capacity.

Experts estimate the size of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal differently: some estimates suggest several dozen warheads, whilst others suggest there may be over 100. AP notes that data on production rates also vary significantly.

Nevertheless, the unveiling of the new facility served as yet another signal that Pyongyang has no intention of scaling back its nuclear programme and, on the contrary, is seeking to expand it.

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