North Korea says it will build 10,000-ton destroyer ahead of Xi visit

PYONGYANG: North Korea plans to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop what its state media described as secret underwater weapons, according to a report published on Saturday ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the country.

The Rodong Sinmun newspaper, reporting on a naval test held on Thursday under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un, said Kim directed the navy to quickly deploy the destroyer Kang Kon and another 5,000-ton warship, the Choe Hyon. The newspaper did not provide further details about the plans.

South Korea’s Institute for National Unification senior analyst Hong Min said this was the first time North Korea had publicly referred to a plan for a 10,000-ton destroyer. He said Kim could be aiming to highlight the country’s military capabilities before Xi’s visit, which is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.

According to the newspaper, Kim said Pyongyang needed to strengthen its naval power to deter a nuclear war, while also calling for strong military capabilities on land, at sea and in the air.

Xi is due to make his first trip to North Korea in nearly seven years as Beijing seeks to reinforce relations with Pyongyang, its only formal treaty ally.

Before the visit was announced, Kim on Thursday called for an

exponential

expansion of North Korea’s atomic arsenal during a visit to a newly operational nuclear material production factory.

During Kim’s inspection of the ship, he was accompanied by his daughter, believed to be the teenager Ju Ae, according to a photograph published by the newspaper.

North Korea had said in May 2025 that a 5,000-ton destroyer partially capsized during a launching ceremony at Chongjin port. Kim, who was present at the event, denounced the accident and said it was a

criminal act

that could not be tolerated.

After repairs were completed at Rajin port, a second launching ceremony was held the following month, when the vessel was given the name Kang Kon.