Citing a document, Reuters reported that North Korea has revised its constitution to formally define its territory and remove all references to unification with South Korea. This move reflects the leadership Kim Jong UnPush for the two Koreas to be treated as independent states.According to the agency, the new Article 2 states that North Korea’s territory includes land “bordered by the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation to the north and the Republic of Korea to the south” as well as territorial waters and airspace.The article added that North Korea “absolutely will not allow any infringement of its territory.” But it did not specify the exact border with South Korea, nor did it mention disputed maritime areas such as the Northern Limit Line.The revised constitution further designates Kim Jong Un as head of state as chairman of the State Affairs Council, replacing the previously described role of representing the country’s supreme leader.It also explicitly places command of North Korea’s nuclear forces under the chairmanship of the State Council, formally consolidating control of the nuclear arsenal in the hands of Kim Jong Un.Another defense provision also describes North Korea as a “responsible nuclear weapons state” and says it will continue to improve its nuclear capabilities to ensure its survival, deter war and protect regional and global stability.The revision, believed to have been adopted at a meeting of the Supreme People’s Assembly in March, marks the first time Pyongyang has added a territorial clause to the constitution.Experts told Reuters the changes were in line with Kim Jong Un’s earlier calls to define South Korea as North Korea’s “main enemy and constant main enemy” and formally separate the two countries.In early February, Kim Jong-un said North Korea had “absolutely no dealings with South Korea… and will permanently exclude South Korea from the list of compatriots.”“As long as South Korea cannot escape the geopolitical conditions that border us, the only way to survive safely is to abandon everything related to us and not interfere with us,” he added at the time.Despite South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s offer of unconditional talks, Pyongyang has not responded and continues to describe Seoul as its “most hostile” adversary.The development comes amid heightened tensions as North Korea steps up missile tests and deepens military ties with Russia.
