Speaking at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Thursday, DPRK's Vice Defense Minister Kim Kang Il stated that a growing US-led military buildup and expanding nuclear alignment between Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo fully justify Pyongyang expanding its nuclear force.⁣ ⁣ Kim's rare high-profile appearance at the security conference comes as Pyongyang pursues closer ties with Beijing amid heightened tensions with the US and its allies.⁣ ⁣ #DPRK #northkorea #nuclearweapons