When Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday, he was entering a country undergoing notable development in both its nuclear programme and conventional combat capacity. North Korea has been aided in these developments by Russian military technology and economic aid, received in exchange for sending troops and equipment to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine. These advances could help Pyongyang threaten the balance of power against South Korea and the United States. The construction of Pyongyang’s Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyer, which has a displacement of up to 5,000 tonnes, was first unveiled in December 2024. It is North Korea’s largest-ever surface combatant.

Full report : Could Xi’s visit indirectly advance North Korea’s military build-up as Pyongyang strengthens ties with Beijing and Moscow?