North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the country's navy to build a new 10,000-tonne destroyer, according to state media. The directive comes as Kim continues a series of military site inspections ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's scheduled visit on Monday and Tuesday.
The construction of the destroyer, which would be one of the largest warships in the North Korean fleet, signals Pyongyang's ongoing efforts to modernize its naval capabilities. State media did not provide details on the timeline or specific capabilities of the vessel.
Kim's recent military visits highlight a focus on defense readiness as diplomatic engagements with China, its key ally, intensify. The visit by Xi is expected to bolster ties between the two nations.