Kim Jong Un Says Upcoming Party Congress Will Outline Plans to Strengthen Nuclear Deterrence

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers’ Party will unveil the next phase of plans to further strengthen the country’s nuclear war deterrent, state media KCNA reported on Wednesday.

Kim oversaw a successful test of a large-caliber multiple-rocket launch system on Tuesday, according to the report. He said the drill demonstrated significant improvements in the weapon’s strike power, mobility, and accuracy.

Calling it a key policy of the Workers’ Party, Kim stressed the importance of building a reliable offensive capability and deterrence strategy to counter any attempt by enemies to trigger armed conflict.

“This test will be a source of excruciating mental agony and a serious threat to forces seeking to provoke military confrontation with us,” Kim was quoted as saying.

South Korea and Japan condemned the launch on Tuesday, saying North Korea fired possible short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast. Pyongyang continues to defy United Nations bans on ballistic missile development.

Kim did not provide details about the upcoming party congress, which is expected to be held in the coming weeks. Authorities have not yet announced the dates.