🇰🇵 North Korea's Nuclear Strategy
Here is a timeline of key announcements and developments in North Korea's National Nuclear Strategy over the past 50 years:
1. 2022: Expansion of Nuclear Doctrine
In 2022, North Korea officially updated its nuclear strategy by enacting a new law that included provisions for both deterrence and nuclear pre-emption. This law clarified Pyongyang's willingness to use nuclear weapons preemptively under certain conditions, such as imminent attacks on strategic assets or leadership. The law highlighted North Korea’s lowered nuclear threshold and its focus on using nuclear capabilities to maintain regime security and regional dominance.
- Read more on North Korea's 2022 nuclear policy【98†source】【100†source】.
2. 2017: Hydrogen Bomb and ICBM Tests
On September 3, 2017, North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb. The test caused a significant seismic event and demonstrated Pyongyang’s growing nuclear capabilities. Earlier that year, North Korea also conducted its first successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking a significant advance in its ability to target the U.S. mainland.
- More details on the 2017 tests【97†source】【100†source】.
3. 2013: Third Nuclear Test
North Korea conducted its third nuclear test on February 12, 2013, under Kim Jong-un’s leadership. This marked an escalation in North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, followed by a declaration from its National Defense Commission that the country would continue nuclear tests and missile launches in defiance of international pressure.
- Further information on the 2013 test【97†source】.
4. 2006: First Nuclear Test
On October 9, 2006, North Korea conducted its first-ever nuclear test, an underground detonation that marked its formal entry into the nuclear weapons club. The test drew widespread condemnation and led to the imposition of United Nations sanctions.
- Details on the 2006 nuclear test【97†source】.
5. 1994: Agreed Framework
In October 1994, North Korea and the United States signed the Agreed Framework, in which Pyongyang agreed to freeze its plutonium-based nuclear program in exchange for U.S. energy assistance, including two light-water reactors. This agreement temporarily halted North Korea's nuclear ambitions but ultimately broke down by the early 2000s.
- More on the Agreed Framework【99†source】【101†source】.
6. 1991: Denuclearization Agreement
In January 1992, North and South Korea signed a joint declaration to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, pledging not to develop or deploy nuclear weapons. However, the agreement quickly unraveled as North Korea's nuclear ambitions became more apparent in the following years.
7. 1993: NPT Withdrawal Threat
In March 1993, North Korea announced its intention to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) following IAEA demands for special inspections of its nuclear facilities. Although North Korea suspended its withdrawal after negotiations with the U.S., this marked the beginning of its overt defiance of international non-proliferation norms.
- More on North Korea's NPT status【99†source】.
8. 1985: NPT Accession
In 1985, North Korea acceded to the NPT, initially committing to halting nuclear weapons development. However, compliance issues arose, leading to subsequent nuclear crises and its eventual withdrawal from the treaty in the early 2000s.
- Details on North Korea's NPT history【101†source】.
This timeline highlights North Korea's gradual nuclear development, from initial NPT commitments to its current status as a nuclear-armed state, with ongoing missile tests and a doctrine of preemptive nuclear use.
