North Korea Announces 10,000‑ton Destroyer Project Ahead of Xi's Visit

State media in North Korea reported that the regime will build a 10,000‑ton destroyer, named Kang Kon, and a 5,000‑ton warship, Choe Hyon, following a naval test inspected by leader Kim Jong Un. The Rodong Sinmun newspaper said Kim ordered the ships to be deployed as soon as possible to strengthen the navy and deter a nuclear war, while also calling for an "exponential" expansion of the country's atomic arsenal.

The announcement comes just before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first visit to Pyongyang in seven years, a trip seen as an effort by Beijing to reaffirm ties with its only formal treaty ally. Analysts suggest the timing is intended to showcase North Korea’s military capabilities ahead of the diplomatic meeting. The report also recalled a May 2025 incident in which a 5,000‑ton destroyer capsized during a launch ceremony in Chongjin port; the vessel was later repaired, relaunched at Rajin port, and named Kang Kon.