Kim Jong Un inspects new warship before Xi Jinping visit
7 reported3 unconfirmed
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed sea trials of a new warship that was repaired after a failed launch last year, state media reported Saturday. The inspection occurred ahead of a planned visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to North Korea on Monday. Kim called for accelerating efforts to build a nuclear-armed navy, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The report comes a day after North Korea and China confirmed Xi’s visit, and after North Korea unveiled a new uranium-enrichment facility. Kim was accompanied by his teenage daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, during the inspection of the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon.
What’s reported
Kim Jong Un observed sea trials of the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon on Thursday.
The ship was damaged during a botched launching ceremony in May last year and was relaunched in June after repair.
KCNA reported Kim called for “rapidly developing” naval forces as part of a new five-year defense plan.
The plan includes building larger 10,000-ton-class destroyers and developing unspecified “underwater secret weapons.”
Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit North Korea on Monday, as confirmed by North Korean and Chinese state media.
North Korea recently unveiled a new uranium-enrichment facility, and Kim pledged to expand nuclear forces “at an exponential rate.”
Kim was accompanied by his teenage daughter, believed to be Kim Ju Ae, during the inspection.
Open questions
Whether the Kang Kon is fully operational, as outside experts have questioned.
The specific location of the uranium-enrichment facility.
Whether Kim made any direct remarks about Washington or Seoul during the inspection.
Key figures
Kim Jong Un, North Korean leader
Kim Ju Ae, Kim’s teenage daughter (name believed but not confirmed)
Xi Jinping, Chinese leader
Sources: abcnews.com
