This comes after North Korean state media reported that the country successfully tested a hypersonic missile on Wednesday. In his New-Years speech, Kim Jong-un said that Pyongyang would continue to strengthen its defence capabilities due to an increasingly unstable military environment on the Korean peninsula.

       There are concerns that North Korea may showcase the latest missiles and weaponry today, in honour of their leader’s 38th birthday.

       However, Gordon Chang, an expert on North Korea and China, believes that even if dangerous ballistic missiles are put on display, North Korean officials have bigger things to worry about.

       Speaking to Express.co.uk, he said: “We could see displays of weaponry on his birthday—the 8th of this month—but expect him to stress his work to improve livelihoods.

       “Kim Jong-un is apparently concerned that displays of weapons will not be popular, now that many North Koreans are facing starvation.

       “In remarks that appeared to replace his traditional New Year’s Day address, Kim stressed economic development. Although he did mention the North’s weapons, his comments were low-key.

       “Starvation is now uppermost in people’s minds. Kim closed his land borders with China and Russia in January 2020 to protect the North from coronavirus, and he enforced draconian disease-control measures with shoot-to-kill orders."

       The closed borders have aggravated severe food shortages that were already growing due to strict UN sanctions.

       Mr Chang said: “North Koreans have been told to not expect relief until 2025, which some residents think is an effective death sentence. People have already starved to death.

       READ MORE:US unveils defence pact with Japan to combat China

       “This winter, some city dwellers were so desperate they even abandoned residences to live in the countryside, where food is generally more available.

       “Pyongyang’s officials are worried. Last April, authorities issued a warning that the situation could be worse than the “Arduous March,” the four-year famine of the mid-1990s."

       During the famine in the mid-1990s, more than 3.5 million people were rumoured to have perished, which was more than 10% of the population.

       Mr Chang also believes that Kim Jong-un’s top-down policies will only aggravate the food situation, and recovery will not come for years.

       DON'T MISS:

       Djokovic shamed by UK scientist after anti-vax star sparks chaos [SPOTLIGHT]

       Omicron warning issued as 'organ complications' linked to Covid [REVEAL]

       WHO issues urgent Omicron warning: 'Calling it mild is a mistake!' [INSIGHT]