North Korean leader Kim touts new naval destroyer, blames US for tensions – Washington Examiner
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently unveiled a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer, highlighting it as a notable advancement towards enhancing North Korea’s military capabilities, notably in terms of preemptive strikes and operational range. During the launching ceremony at the port of Nampo, Kim framed the arms buildup as a necessary response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies, particularly amid escalating joint military exercises in the region. He described the destroyer as multi-purpose, equipped to handle various weapons systems, including nuclear-capable missiles, and stated it would enter active service early next year.
Furthermore, kim criticized the U.S. and south Korea’s military maneuvers, perceiving them as preparations for war. He indicated that acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine would be the next goal for the contry’s naval forces.Experts have questioned North Korea’s ability to independently develop such advanced military capabilities given its economic constraints. Regional tensions are rising as Kim continues to showcase military advancements while aligning more closely with Russia amidst the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict. Despite former U.S. President Donald Trump’s willingness to engage diplomatically with Kim again, there has been no recent response from North Korea. South Korea remains concerned that ties with Russia could bring economic and technological benefits to North Korea’s military programs.
North Korean leader Kim touts new naval destroyer, blames US for tensions
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a new naval destroyer, claiming it as a significant advancement toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military, state media said Saturday.
North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency said Kim attended the launching ceremony for the 5,000-ton warship on Friday at the western port of Nampo.
100-DAY REPORT CARD: TRUMP TORNADO SHOCKED AMERICA — AND THE WORLD
Kim framed the arms buildup as a response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies in Asia, who have been expanding joint military exercises amid rising tensions over the North’s nuclear program. He added that the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening his navy.
The new “multipurpose” destroyer, touted by state media as the first in a new class of heavily armed warships, is designed to handle various weapons systems, including anti-air and anti-naval weapons, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, Kim said. He said the destroyer will be handed over to the navy early next year and begin active duty.
Kim criticized recent efforts by the United States and South Korea to expand joint military exercises and update their nuclear deterrence strategies, portraying them as preparations for war. He vowed to “respond decisively to this geopolitical crisis and ongoing developments,” according to his speech carried by KCNA.
JOE CONCHA: THE MEDIA WANT PRESIDENT AOC, BUT REALITY SAYS OTHERWISE
South Korea’s military didn’t immediately comment on the North Korean claims about its new warship. North Korea’s unveiling of the new warship follows its March revealing of a purported nuclear-powered submarine under construction. However, some experts question whether the impoverished and largely isolated nation could develop such advanced capabilities without foreign assistance.
Nuclear-powered submarines were among a broad list of advanced weapons that Kim pledged to develop at a major political conference in 2021, citing growing U.S.-led threats. His wish list also included solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, spy satellites, and multi-warhead missiles. Since then, North Korea has conducted a series of tests aimed at acquiring these capabilities.
Regional tensions have increased as Kim continues to flaunt his military nuclear capabilities and align with Russia over President Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine.
US DEPLOYS AIR FORCE BOMBERS TO EAST ASIA, DRAWING THE IRE OF NORTH KOREA
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he would reach out to Kim again to revive diplomacy, but the North has not responded to that offer. While the two leaders met three times during Trump’s first term, negotiations broke down over disagreements on easing U.S.-led sanctions in exchange for steps toward the North’s denuclearization.
Kim’s foreign policy focus has since shifted to Russia, which he has supplied with weapons and military personnel to support its warfighting in Ukraine. South Korean officials are concerned that, in return, Pyongyang could receive economic aid and advanced military technology to further develop its weapons programs.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...