North Korea’s Military Commission Orders Intelligence Expansion, Nuclear Buildup, and Base Modernization

North Korea called for expanding the functions and missions of its General Reconnaissance and Intelligence Bureau during the first enlarged meeting of the ninth Central Military Commission on July 9 in Pyongyang, Yonhap reported. Kim Jong-un presided over the session at the headquarters of the party's Central Committee.

The meeting suggested tasks for broadening the bureau's role in controlling potential enemies' threats and gathering key information, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

It also called for enhancing military reconnaissance and intelligence capabilities in a radical way. North Korea is believed to have expanded the former General Reconnaissance Bureau into the GRIB, whose existence first came to light in September. Kim signed seven written orders implementing major military decisions.

The meeting decided on upgrading the technical infrastructure of combat systems, bolstering the nuclear force in quality and quantity, and advancing plans to standardize, specialize and modernize military bases. It also discussed naval modernization, the remodeling of coal-mining regions nationwide and other construction projects.

The session addressed the organizational matter of dismissing, transferring and newly appointing leading officers for key posts of the People's Army.

It further discussed political and military tasks to strengthen the politico-ideological and military technical might of the army and to bring about a qualitative change in combat readiness at all levels. Kim stated that the security and peace of the country and the people cannot be defended with willingness alone.