North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has set his sights on developing one of the most formidable naval forces in the region to counter any potential challenges from adversaries, officials said.

 

He inspected a new type of destroyer and emphasised his intention to expand his country’s naval strength to intimidating levels.

 

This comes after Kim and Xi held bilateral discussions on strengthening defence, trade, and cultural relations to forge a military alliance aimed at deterring the US and its allies in the region, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

 

In a televised address on Monday, Kim inspected the 5,000-tonne destroyer, which was launched in April. Photographs released on Sunday showed Kim receiving a briefing on the ship’s bridge.

 

Kim stated that, to defend the country’s respect, sovereignty, security, and interests, the naval forces must effectively deter any provocations by enemies and punish them.

 

He added that his party is fully focused on developing and expanding the strength of naval forces that safeguard the core of state power.

Kim also visited a military exhibition in Pyongyang on Saturday.

 

South Korean experts, who have closely monitored North Korean military and defence technology, said the event displayed what appear to be submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), among other weapons.

 

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They believe North Korea is taking the next step in deploying nuclear weapons at sea to create a barrier between itself and US-backed adversaries.

 

North Korea is expected to hold a large-scale military parade on 10 October to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. Some observers anticipate that Pyongyang might unveil its latest weapons during the parade.

 

Notably, North Korea has been a major supporter of Russia in its war against Ukraine, having supplied more than 15,000 active-duty Special Forces troops to Moscow.

 

Additionally, North Korea maintains a close alignment with China regarding the One-China policy, suggesting the potential for regional conflict. North Korea is expected to support China’s operations in Taiwan and protect Chinese assets from the US and South Korea if hostilities occur.