Kim Jong-un elected as party general secretary… Kim Yeo-jeong is also a candidate for the political bureau▶ Click here to enlarge
On the 11th (local time), the foreign press interpreted that North Korea’s appointment of Chairman Kim Jong-un as the party general secretary at the Labor Party conference aimed at strengthening power and enhancing authority.
Chairman Kim’s official title within the Labor Party was changed from the first secretary to the chairman in 2016 and then to general secretary this time, which is also the position given to his father, Kim Jong-il, the defense committee chairman.
The Associated Press said, “Amidst growing economic difficulties, he received the title of his father’s former general secretary.”
Reuters also said that the title has strengthened his power, saying that Chairman Kim has expanded almost absolute power since his father’s death in 2011.
Michael Madden of the US think tank Stimson Center interpreted that North Korea’s reorganization of the party organization and personnel may seem only daunting to outside observers, but that Chairman Kim appears to be taking a function that requires more consideration from day-to-day business management.
AFP news agency also said that North Korea is experiencing difficulties due to economic difficulties, international sanctions, and the breakdown of negotiations with the United States.
News of the Korean Workers Party Conference in a North Korean newspaper▶ Click here to enlarge
The foreign press interpreted that Chairman Kim was aimed at the launch of the U.S. administration, as it is known that Chairman Kim declared the United States as the “largest enemy” during the party conference, showed off its nuclear capabilities, and even held a late-night fever ceremony.
Bloomberg said the move suggested a controversial approach to the United States after three summit meetings between President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim ended fruitlessly.
Ankit Panda, a senior researcher at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), said, “If Biden doesn’t prioritize policy toward North Korea, North Korea will resume its nuclear test and improve its nuclear capabilities.”
The AP also said, “Chairman Kim’s nuclear threat seems to mean pressure to resume diplomacy and make concessions after Biden takes office.” Byung-sik Yeol thought it could be an armed demonstration against the Biden administration.
However, the AP said that observers also raise questions about whether the nuclear weapons advancement and the Labor Party reorganization can provide practical solutions to difficulties such as economic shock related to the pandemic pandemic, natural disasters, and continued US-led sanctions against North Korea.
The AFP said that North Korea is using the party congress to deliver a message of resistance to the Biden administration, and analysts say that it is taking steps carefully after the turbulent relationship with President Trump.
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