North Korea reaffirms nuclear stance and showcases new warship ahead of Xi's visit

Kim Yo Jong, senior official and sister of leader Kim Jong Un, told the state newspaper Rodong Sinmun that North Korea's nuclear arsenal is "absolutely non‑negotiable" and that the regime will not accept any threats. Her comments came one day before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s scheduled visit to Pyongyang and were framed as a rebuttal to recent U.S. statements about denuclearisation.

On the same day, Kim Jong Un inspected sea‑trials of the anti‑ship destroyer Kang Kon with his daughter Kim Ju‑Ae. He pledged to accelerate development of a nuclear‑capable navy as part of a new five‑year defence plan, which also includes larger warships and secret submarine weapons. The naval showcase follows reports of a new uranium enrichment facility and underscores the close diplomatic ties China is seeking with the nuclear‑armed regime.

Both developments were presented to signal North Korea’s continued strategic defiance and to reinforce its partnership with China ahead of the high‑profile state visit.