North Korea vows to expand nuclear arsenal ahead of Xi Jinping's visit

Kim Jong-un ordered a rapid build‑up of nuclear‑capable naval forces, directing the repair and future construction of larger destroyers and "secret" submarine weapons, as part of a new five‑year defence plan. The leader said the navy must play a greater role in nuclear deterrence and warned of “ferocious enemies”.

At the same time, Kim Yo Jong reaffirmed that North Korea will never abandon its nuclear weapons, dismissing U.S. claims of a joint Chinese‑American denuclearisation goal. She described the nuclear deterrence strategy as “irreversible and definitive”. The statements came as China’s president Xi Jinping prepared for his first visit to Pyongyang in almost seven years, underscoring the close political and economic ties between Beijing and the regime. Earlier in the week, North Korea inaugurated a new uranium‑enrichment facility, further strengthening its bargaining position.

Analysts view the dual announcements as an effort by Pyongyang to solidify its nuclear programme and signal strength ahead of the high‑profile diplomatic encounter with China, while regional tensions with the United States and South Korea remain heightened.