North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un said Pyongyang will ramp up its nuclear weapons program in response to large-scale war games the US and South Korea are conducting. 

According to state media, Kim said, “The security environment around the DPRK is getting more serious day by day and the prevailing situation requires us to make a radical and swift change in the existing military theory and practice and rapid expansion of nuclearization.”

“The US-[South Korea] joint military exercises being staged again from now as a clear expression of stand of openly revealing their intention to remain most hostile and confrontational to the DPRK.” He continued, “That the US-[South Korean] intensified military nexus and the muscle-flexing are the most obvious manifestation of their will to ignite a war and the source of destroying the peace and security environment in the region.”

On Monday, the US and South Korea kicked off large-scale war games, dubbed “Ulchi Freedom Shield 25,” that will run for 11 days. 21,000 soldiers will participate in the exercises. Washington and Seoul decided to divide the war games. Half of the drills will be conducted next month. 

Additionally, Washington is ramping up its military readiness on the Korean Peninsula. The US recently moved dozens of fighter jets closer to the demilitarized zone, forming a second “super squadron. The Pentagon also formed a new military intelligence unit in South Korea. 

Over the past month, Pyongyang has issued a series of statements adopting a hardline position for talks with Washington. Kim Yo-jong, sister of Kim Jong-un and a high-ranking North Korean official, ruled out talks between Pyongyang and Seoul. She said North Korea would change its constitution to formalize the policy of not improving ties with South Korea. 

In a separate address, Kim said talks with the US would only occur if President Donald Trump dropped the demand that North Korea give up its nuclear weapons.