During a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, President Trump expressed his confidence that relations with North Korea will take shape. This announcement comes amidst a backdrop of recent embarrassment for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the disastrous launch of a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer at the northeastern port of Chongjin.
The event was meant to showcase North Korea’s military advancements but ended poorly when the ship slid off its launch ramp and became immobilized. Reports from state media revealed that the failure occurred due to a flatcar malfunction, which resulted in part of the destroyer getting crushed.
While the full extent of the damages and potential injuries is unclear, South Korean satellite images indicated that the vessel was left on its side in the water. In response to the incident, Kim openly criticized military officials and shipyard workers, blaming them for what he termed a “serious accident and criminal act” caused by carelessness.
He demanded accountability and stated that the ship’s restoration would be crucial for maintaining state prestige. Despite the setback, naval expert Moon Keun-sik noted that North Korea’s decision to disclose the failure might signal a desire to display confidence in its military modernization efforts.
He suggested that the lack of familiarity with large vessels among laborers could be a factor in the mishap. Meanwhile, Kim has been focusing on rapid advancements in military technology, including AI-controlled drones and a nuclear-powered submarine that poses threats to regional security.
North Korea’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, sending thousands of troops to support Russia, further complicates its global relationships, especially with the United States and South Korea, which have ramped up military exercises.
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