Is North Korea developing biological weapons?

The threat North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme poses to the world is well known. But as the hermit kingdom actively expands its weapons arsenal, and international institutions struggle to contain it, we shouldn’t ignore its development of chemical and biological weapons either.

A recent report from the United States State Department asserts that North Korea has a ‘dedicated’ biological weapons programme, which it could use against the militarily-superior US and South Korea. Concerningly, the report highlights North Korea’s ability to produce bacteria, viruses, and other toxins which could be used as biological weapons agents.

We have already seen evidence of Pyongyang’s unabashed usage of chemical weapons, especially in highly public places. Who can forget when, in February 2017, Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of Kim Jong Un, was assassinated by VX nerve agent whilst in Kuala Lumpur International Airport?

Unlike its nuclear and chemical weapons programmes, however, much less is known about North Korea’s biological weapons capabilities.