DPRK top leader highlights nuke, missile programs

PYONGYANG, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said here Thursday that Pyongyang has successfully pushed forward the establishment of its nuclear force despite difficulties, official media reported Friday.

At a meeting of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, Kim said the DPRK had thoroughly implemented polices of independence in politics, self-support in the economy and self-reliance in defense, despite supply shortages and other difficulties, according to Korean Central News Agency.

This is the third time within weeks for Kim to highlight achievements of the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs, amid tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The DPRK has detonated a hydrogen bomb and test-fired ballistic missiles this year, including three intercontinental ballistic missiles, which drew sanctions by the United Nations Security Council.

The "Hwasong 15" test-fired by the country last month was said to be able to hit the whole territory of the United States. Enditem