Kim Jong Un Inspects North Korea’s Naval Nuclear Capabilities Ahead of Xi Jinping’s Visit
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the naval destroyer Kang Gam Chan, stressing the importance of strengthening the country’s maritime capabilities for nuclear war deterrence. This inspection occurred prior to the planned visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to North Korea.
North Korea’s state media reported that Kim observed the sea trial of a warship that had undergone repairs following a launch failure last year. He pledged to accelerate efforts to construct a nuclear-powered naval fleet.
The report indicates that Kim visited the 5,000-ton Kang Gam Chan destroyer on Thursday, which was undergoing capability testing. He called for the rapid development of naval forces to play a more significant role in the nation’s nuclear deterrence strategy, enabling decisive strikes against the enemy both underwater and on the surface when necessary.
The North Korean leader highlighted that the navy is a central pillar of a new five-year defense plan approved at the ruling party conference earlier this year. This plan includes the construction of destroyers larger than 10,000 tons and the development of stealthy underwater weapons.
The Kang Gam Chan is the second destroyer unveiled by North Korea. State media have reported that these vessels are designed to carry a wide array of weaponry systems, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons, as well as ballistic missiles and cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
The disclosure of Kim’s destroyer visit comes one day after state media in North Korea and China confirmed that Xi Jinping will visit North Korea on Monday. This marks the latest sign of Beijing’s efforts to strengthen ties with its nuclear-armed neighbor.
Previously, during a visit to an undisclosed location, Kim pledged to expand the country’s nuclear forces at an “extraordinary speed.” Analysts interpret this move as a reflection of his desire to solidify North Korea’s status as a nuclear state before Xi Jinping’s visit.
