North Korea has announced plans to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop new, secret underwater weapons, according to state media. This revelation comes just days before a highly anticipated visit by the Chinese president. Xi Jinping in Pyongyang.
According to the official newspaper Rodong Sinmun, this announcement followed a naval test personally overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He reportedly ordered the rapid deployment of the destroyer Kang Kon and another 5,000-ton warship named Choe Hyon.
Official media outlets, however, provided no technical details regarding the future 10,000-ton destroyer or the underwater weapon systems mentioned. According to several observers, this is the first time Pyongyang has publicly mentioned a warship project of this size.
South Korean analysts believe this communication could have political as well as military implications. According to Hong Min, a researcher at the South Korean Institute for National Unification, Kim Jong Un is seeking to highlight his country's military advancements ahead of the visit of the Chinese president, North Korea's main diplomatic and economic ally.
The North Korean leader stated that his country needed to strengthen its naval capabilities to deter nuclear war. He also stressed the need to develop powerful land, sea, and air forces to enhance the country's defense capabilities.
This latest show of force comes amid persistent tensions in the region. North Korea's military programs continue to raise concerns among neighboring states and Western powers, who are closely monitoring Pyongyang's naval and strategic ambitions.
Community
Comments
Comments are open, but protected against spam. Initial posts and comments containing links undergo manual review.
Be the first to comment on this article.