North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, recently took his teenage daughter to observe his country’s newest warship, the Kang Kon, during a military visit. Kim Ju Ae, believed to be 13 years old, accompanied her father as they inspected the 5,000-tonne destroyer undergoing tests. This demonstration of familial succession in military affairs is not uncommon for the North Korean dictator, who often showcases his military assets to his potential heir.
During this visit, Kim Jong Un also hinted at the development of undisclosed “secret underwater weapons,” adding to the intrigue surrounding North Korea’s military capabilities. These revelations coincided with the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to North Korea, the first visit since 2019. Kim Jong Un has been working to strengthen ties with China, its key trading partner and aid provider.
President Xi’s upcoming visit was confirmed by Chinese and North Korean state media, signaling a potential boost in bilateral relations. The North Korean leader emphasized the need for a robust naval fleet capable of bolstering the country’s nuclear deterrence, emphasizing the importance of maritime defense capabilities.
Additionally, Kim Jong Un outlined a new defense plan, including the construction of larger destroyers and the development of classified underwater weapons. Despite the focus on military advancements, there were no direct comments reported on relations with Washington or Seoul during the visit.
Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning expressed optimism about the upcoming visit, highlighting the ongoing positive relations between China and North Korea. The visit follows recent meetings between President Xi and other world leaders, emphasizing the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. The continued nuclear weapons program in North Korea remains a point of contention, leading to international sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
