N. Korea hints at possible restart of nuclear or long-range missile tests

People watch a TV screen showing a file image of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a news programme at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 20, 2022. - AP

SEOUL (AFP): North Korea hinted Thursday (Jan 20) it could resume its nuclear and long-range ballistic missile tests, as top officials led by Kim Jong-un said the country was preparing for a "long-term confrontation" with the United States, state-run media reported.

Despite biting international sanctions, Pyongyang has conducted a string of weapons tests this year, including of hypersonic missiles, as leader Kim pursues his avowed goal of further strengthening the military.