North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un observed the test-firing of a long-range surface-to-air missile shortly before visiting the construction site of a nearly 9,000-ton nuclear-powered submarine on Wednesday.
During his visit, Kim remarked that South Korea also plans to build a nuclear-powered submarine, which would “worsen” regional stability, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency. Newsweek reached out to the U.S. State Department via submission form on Wednesday evening for comment.
**Why It Matters**
North Korea continues to develop weapons despite United Nations sanctions targeting its nuclear and ballistic missile programs—both of which remain destabilizing forces in the region. In October, the Hermit Kingdom unveiled a missile allegedly capable of striking far-range targets. North Korean officials claim the Hwasong-20 missile could hit the continental United States, although this capability has yet to be demonstrated.
**What To Know**
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea’s state-run news agency, published striking photos of Kim touring the construction site of the 8,700-ton submarine. Flanked by workers and officials, Kim examined the vessel, which is part of the country’s broader effort to modernize its navy. This initiative is one of five key policies the ruling party is pursuing to enhance its defense capabilities, according to KCNA.
Kim also oversaw the test of new missiles designed to improve the country’s capacity to produce advanced missile types. The missile demonstrated reportedly has a range of up to 124 miles.
During his visit to the submarine construction site, Kim emphasized that such developments are necessary in a world that is “by no means peaceful.” He further stated that North Korea has no choice but to develop these capabilities in response to South Korea’s plans to build a similar vessel, which he described as a “threat to its security that must be countered.”
Kim added, “The DPRK regards it as an offensive act severely violating its security and maritime sovereignty.”
**What People Are Saying**
U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month commented on border security:
“We have one of the strongest borders anywhere in the world. There’s one country that probably has a stronger border. North Korea has a stronger border. North Korea has seven walls of wire. Each of them has a million volts of electricity going through it. So if you get over one, you’re dead the next one. If you get over one, you’re in very bad shape. If you get over two, you’ve set a record. I think we give North Korea the safest border. But ours is pretty safe.”
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This latest missile and submarine development underscores ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and highlights the challenges facing regional security amid continued weapons advancements by North Korea.
https://www.newsweek.com/photo-shows-north-koreas-new-nuclear-powered-sub-as-kim-tests-missiles-11268986