Kim Jong Un Inspects Nuclear Destroyer Ahead of Xi Jinping’s Trip to Pyongyang
Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, inspected a 5,000-ton nuclear destroyer two days before the official visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pyongyang, emphasizing the enhancement of naval capabilities for nuclear deterrence. North Korea’s state media described this move as part of the country’s new defense strategy.
According to reports, Kim visited the destroyer “Kang Kun,” which is currently undergoing technical tests and capability evaluations. The ship had previously been repaired following a failed launch last year. During the visit, the North Korean leader pledged to accelerate the construction of the nuclear naval fleet.
He regarded the rapid development of naval forces as essential for playing a broader role in nuclear deterrence, stating that these forces must be capable of striking potential enemies both underwater and on the surface at any time. Kim also called the navy the core of the five-year defense plan approved at the ruling party’s early-year meeting.
This plan includes building larger destroyers of over 10,000 tons and expanding submarine weapons described as “stealthy.” The “Kang Kun” is the second destroyer unveiled by North Korea, and according to official media, these ships are designed to carry anti-aircraft, anti-ship systems, ballistic and cruise missiles with the capability of carrying nuclear warheads.
The announcement of Kim’s visit came one day after North Korean and Chinese state media confirmed that Xi Jinping would arrive in Pyongyang on Monday. Observers view these movements as a sign of Beijing’s effort to strengthen ties with its nuclear neighbor and also as Pyongyang’s move to solidify its status as a nuclear power ahead of the visit.
