North Korean state media announced that the country plans to build a new 10,000-ton destroyer. The statement came ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pyongyang on Monday and Tuesday.
Leader Kim Jong Un inspected a naval test on Thursday and ordered the navy to quickly deploy new warships, Workers’ Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported.
It was stated that Kim wanted the destroyer Kang Kon and the 5,000-ton warship Choe Hyon to be commissioned as soon as possible.
“IT IS THE FIRST TIME A 10 THOUSAND TONS DESTROYER IS MENTIONED”
According to experts, this marks the first time North Korea has publicly talked about its plan to build a 10,000-ton destroyer.
Analysts evaluate that the Pyongyang administration may be trying to demonstrate its military capacity before Xi Jinping’s visit.
In his statements, Kim Jong Un was reported to have argued that naval forces should be strengthened to deter nuclear war and called for a comprehensive military capacity increase in land, air and naval forces.
IT WILL BE Xi’S FIRST VISIT IN SEVEN YEARS
Xi Jinping’s visit will be the Chinese leader’s first visit to North Korea in nearly seven years.
It is considered that the Beijing administration aims to re-strengthen relations with Pyongyang, its only ally with an official agreement.
Before the visit was announced, Kim Jong Un visited the newly activated nuclear material production facility on Thursday and called for the “exponential” expansion of the country’s nuclear arsenal.
A GIANT WARSHIP HAD AN ACCIDENT BEFORE
In photos published in state media, Kim Jong Un was seen with his daughter Ju Ae, who is thought to be a teenager, during ship inspections.
North Korea announced that a 5,000-ton destroyer partially capsized during the launching ceremony in Chongjin Port in May 2025.
Kim Jong Un, who personally attended the ceremony, described the incident as “a criminal act that cannot be tolerated.”
A second ceremony was held a month later for the warship, which was later repaired in Rajin Port, and the ship was named Kang Kon.
