Kim vows 'exponential' boost in nuclear forces

SEOUL, Jun 4: Kim Jong Un vowed an "exponential" increase in nuclear military capabilities as state media reported the North Korean leader visited a new atomic facility.

The nuclear-armed country is believed to operate uranium enrichment facilities at three sites - Yongbyon, Kangson and Kusong.

Kim on Wednesday went to a "newly-inaugurated nuclear materials production factory", Pyongyang's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

KCNA reported that Kim noted an "ambitious future plan designed to beef up our state's nuclear forces at an exponential rate."

Rejecting pressure from the United States, North Korea insists it will not give up its nuclear arsenal, describing its path as "irreversible".    �"AFP