North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected a newly repaired warship and called for a stronger nuclear-powered navy, just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the country.
Kim Visits Destroyer Kang Kon
Kim visited the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon on Thursday while it underwent sea trials, according to an Associated Press report. The vessel is named after a Korean War hero.
Kim Pushes for Stronger Naval Forces
Kim stressed the need to rapidly strengthen North Korea's naval capabilities as part of the country's military modernisation plans. State media reported that he called for naval forces capable of contributing to the country's nuclear deterrence and announced plans to build larger 10,000-ton destroyers. He also referred to the development of new underwater weapons, though no further details were provided. North Korea is also planning to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop secret underwater weapons, as per Reuters.
What We Know About 'Kang Kon'
The Kang Kon is one of two destroyers unveiled by North Korea last year. The 5,000-ton destroyer, part of the Choe Hyon-class, suffered a major setback on May 21, 2025, when it partially capsized during a launch ceremony at Chongjin Shipyard. Witnessing the incident, leader Kim Jong Un described the failure as a 'criminal act' and ordered its swift recovery and repair. A month later, in June 2025, North Korea held a relaunch ceremony after the vessel was repaired. During the event, the warship was officially named Kang Kon, marking its return to the country's naval modernisation programme.
Xi Jinping's Visit in Focus
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit North Korea on Monday. The development also follows North Korea's recent unveiling of what South Korea described as a new uranium-enrichment facility. According to an AFP report, Seong-Hyon Lee of the George HW Bush Foundation for US-China Relations said Xi appears keen to reinforce China's role on the Korean Peninsula after holding recent talks with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. For Kim Jong Un, hosting Xi is also seen as a diplomatic win that highlights North Korea's importance to Beijing. Lim Eul-chul of Kyungnam University in South Korea said the visit reflects broader efforts by China, Russia and North Korea to strengthen coordination as they seek to counter the influence of the United States and Japan in the region.
