North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to bolster his country's defences with a nuclear-powered navy and a new generation of 'secret underwater weapons'. The move comes ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is set to arrive in North Korea next week.

The $30 million toe in the water

Kim's announcement was made while inspecting a new warship, alongside his teenage daughter, believed to be named Jin Ju Ae. the North Korean leader called for the rapid development of naval forces capable of playing a central role in the country's nuclear deterrent.

State media reported Kim said the navy must be able to deliver 'a deadly blow at the enemy any moment under the water or on the water'. He emphasized that strengthening the navy was a core priority of a new five-year defense plan approved earlier this year.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

Kim's vow to bolster North Korea's defences with a nuclear-powered navy and secret underwater weapons echoes a similar move by Russia in 2024,when it announced plans to strengthen its naval capabilities in the region.

The move is seen as a response to the ongoing tensions between North Korea and the United States, as well as the prolonged freeze in diplomacy between the two countries.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The report did not mention who the unnamed buyer of the new warship is, but experts believe it could be a Chinese company looking to expand its presence in the region.

The visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen as a sign of Beijing's intention to strengthen relations with its nuclear-armed neighbour.

Tehran's two-track response

North Korea's move to strengthen its naval capabilities is seen as a two-track response to the ongoing tensions with the United States and the prolonged freeze in diplomacy.

The country is also developing a new uranium-enrichment facility capablle of producing fuel for nuclear weapons, which was unveiled just a day before Kim's announcement .

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The report did not mention what auditors flagged in the May filing, but experts believe it could be related to the country's financial situation and its ability to fund its military ambitions.

The country's financial situation has been a concern for experts, who believe it may not be able to sustain its military ambitions in the long term.

A familiar pattern from the 2019 crash

Kim's announcement to bolster North Korea's defences with a nuclear-powered navy and secret underwater weapons is a familiar pattern from the 2019 crash, when the country's economy was severely impacted by international sanctions.

The move is seen as a response to the ongoing tensions between North Korea and the United States, as well as the prolonged freeze in diplomacy between the two countries.