Kim Jong-un Stresses Ideology’s Role in Military Strength During University Visit
Kim Jong-un emphasizes the significance of military ideology during his visit to Kim Il Sung University, asserting that arms without ideology are ineffective. This visit aims to enhance military morale in light of recent deployments to Russia. Kim redefines the essential components of the military and underscores the necessity for ideological reinforcement amid growing international concerns.
During a recent visit to Kim Il Sung University of Politics, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un emphasized the importance of ideology in military strength, stating that arms devoid of ideology are merely “ironware.” This visit coincided with the university’s 80th anniversary and aimed to uplift military morale amidst ongoing troop deployments to Russia. Analysts interpret his message as a strategy to fortify support within the military amid concerns over these deployments.
Kim articulated the need to imbue the army with ideological principles before equipping them with military technology, labeling ideology, soldiers, and weaponry as the “three elements of the armed forces.” He asserted the necessity for the Korean People’s Army (KPA) to become the strongest globally, reinforcing the idea that emphasizing political strength is vital for building a capable military.
This statement follows North Korea’s extensive military assistance to Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, raising alarms in the international community. Kim’s recent speeches have consistently highlighted the significance of ideological reinforcement alongside military prowess. Observers have noted that young soldiers could be resistant to large foreign deployments, prompting the regime to stress loyalty and discipline within military ranks.
Experts suggest that Kim’s focus on ideology serves to legitimize military actions abroad and unify the regime in a time of external scrutiny. Additionally, during the visit, a South Korean aerospace facility was highlighted on student screens, indicating an interest in South Korean military capabilities.
Moreover, a Workers’ Party delegation led by Ri Hi-yong recently visited Moscow, likely to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine ceasefire negotiations and evaluate the U.S.-led discussions on the matter. While specific intentions of this visit remain undisclosed, it reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between North Korea and Russia amidst international tension.
Kim Jong-un’s visit to the university underscores his belief in the necessity of ideological grounding in military readiness. He argues that military effectiveness relies on strengthening political principles alongside traditional military capabilities. This focus aims to fortify support within the North Korean military, especially in light of their engagement with Russia amid global scrutiny.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
