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Kim Orders 10,000-Ton Destroyer, Boosts Nukes Ahead of Xi Visit

6/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Kim Jong Un ordered the navy to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop secret underwater weapons before Xi Jinping’s June 8-9 visit.
He inspected the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon and warship Choe Hyon during a naval test and called for an exponential expansion of North Korea’s atomic arsenal at a new nuclear facility.
Analyst Hong Min said the 10,000-ton destroyer plan is a public mention and may aim to impress Xi.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 North Korea launched the two-stage Taepodong-1, which flew eastward over Japan, its first stage traveling 1,646 km and debris falling up to 4,000 km away; U.S. analysts later called it a technology demonstrator. The test launched a missile program that Kim Jong Il continued, and Kim Jong Un has since more than tripled launches, firing 42 missiles between 2011 and 2016 while pursuing further nuclear development.

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Story summary

Kim Jong Un ordered the navy to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop secret underwater weapons before Xi Jinping’s June 8-9 visit.
He inspected the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon and warship Choe Hyon during a naval test and called for an exponential expansion of North Korea’s atomic arsenal at a new nuclear facility.
Analyst Hong Min said the 10,000-ton destroyer plan is a public mention and may aim to impress Xi.

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