North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says the bolstering of his country's "nuclear deterrent" will depend on Washington's stance toward Pyongyang.
North Korea's state-run media says the ruling Workers' Party Central Committee held a four-day plenary meeting through Tuesday.
Kim delivered a speech during the session, touching on the denuclearization talks with the United States.
He reportedly said Pyongyang will "reliably put on constant alert the powerful nuclear deterrent capable of containing the nuclear threats from the US" to guarantee his country's long-term security.
Kim also said that the "scope and depth" of bolstering the deterrent will be "properly coordinated" depending on the future US attitude to his nation.
Kim said the "hostile acts and nuclear threat" against his country are increasing.
He said that the world will witness a "new strategic weapon" to be possessed by his country in the near future.
Kim suggested the stalemate between his country and the US will be protracted.
Analysts say Kim is repeating his demand for the US to lift its sanctions and end what he regards as its hostile policy toward North Korea.
NHK
