North Korean state-run media have reported that leader Kim Jong Un has set "new key goals" to bolster his country's defense capability.

Korean Central Television reported on Wednesday that Kim addressed the plenary meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea's Central Committee on Tuesday for the second day in a row.

The report stated that Kim "profoundly analyzed" the challenges in the Korean Peninsula and internationally, and clarified "the orientation of struggle against the enemy."

It added that Kim "set forth new key goals for bolstering up the self-reliant defence capability" for 2023 amid "the multilaterally changing situation."

No details about the "new key goals" were provided.

On December 15, Kim predicted that "another new strategic weapon would be made in the shortest span of time" when he observed a combustion test of what Pyongyang called a "high-thrust, solid-fuel engine."

Observers say North Korea may test-launch a medium- or long-range missile with a solid-fuel engine during the first half of next year.

Pyongyang has announced that it will complete preparations for its first military reconnaissance satellite by next April. The country is also believed to be ready to conduct its seventh nuclear test at any time.