North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned a recent accident involving a naval destroyer as a “serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.” The accident at the northeastern port of Chongjin was a mortifying blow for Kim. He has been very purposefully and aggressively building the military capacity as tensions ratchet up with the United States and its allies in the region.
The damaged destroyer, reportedly built with assistance from Russia, is part of Kim’s broader strategy to enhance North Korea’s naval strength as a key element of its nuclear-armed military. Kim has increased the frequency of major combined military exercises. He launched this response primarily in reaction to U.S. and its Asian allies’ threats, real or imagined.
Arms Build-Up and Military Exercises
For Kim Jong Un, the arms build-up is life or death. He thinks it is essential to respond to growing threats from Western powers such as the US and Britain. The country is aggressively pursuing its nuclear and missile programs. This concerning advance has raised the ire of the U.S., South Korea and their partners and allies. Experts have expressed concern that North Korea could learn about advanced weapons technology from Moscow. In return, they will likely give further support to Russia in its brutal war in Ukraine.
The North Korean leader’s implementation of military preparedness has heavily relied on frequent testing of new exotic weaponry. Just last month in early September 2024, Kim personally oversaw a test of this new tactical ballistic missile. State media played up the fact that he promised to double down on strengthening their defensive and offensive capabilities.
“serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism” – Mr. Kim
In a launching ceremony for one of the new ships earlier this year, Kim was particularly emphatic about the significance of its naval innovations. As a result, he underlined a strong navy’s focus on defending North Korea’s growing nuclear strategy. The recent collision involving the destroyer is a tragic reminder of the peril of rapid military evolution.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The destroyer reportedly sank during its launch ceremony, presided over by Kim himself. Despite this embarrassment, state media reported that the ship will be put into active service sometime early next year. Following the incident, it was Kim who personally took control by supervising test-firings of missiles from the wrecked ship. His decisive actions sent a strong signal of resolve to stay militarily aggressive despite the incident.
The experts speaking to Foreign Policy outside of North Korea all considered the destroyer to be a serious security provocation. Its advanced capabilities would need to improve North Korea’s defensive posture even as they improve its offensive potential. This progression is creating panic among surrounding countries and increasing already elevated tensions in the area.
Kim fired the blame for the accident at military leaders, scientists and shipyard managers involved with the program. His public rebuke indicates a desire to maintain strict accountability within his military ranks, particularly in light of the ongoing arms race.
Regional Concerns and Future Implications
This continued military escalation under Kim Jong Un is a source of grave concern for regional powers. The United States and South Korea are on watch. They share our worry about North Korea’s ability to create and employ more sophisticated weaponry, particularly with support from Russia. Such changes would undermine the current balance of power in Asia and drive further escalation and danger into military encounters.
Furthering Kim’s dangerous military posture, as a dangerous precedent, the mounting hostility that is likely to ensue will elicit broader action from the world stage. Despite the Soviet naval accident, military expansion and modernization continues unabated and unchallenged. More importantly, it highlights the erratic quality of North Korea’s strategic aspirations.
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