North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the commissioning of a new destroyer on the country's east coast. This marks the launch of the second destroyer in less than three months as North Korea seeks to upgrade its naval capabilities.
The vessel will form part of Pyongyang's nuclear response system and strengthen its naval forces. Kim stated that the ship could deliver annihilating retaliatory strikes if ordered.
The commissioning is part of an accelerated effort to modernize the navy and a broader expansion of the country's nuclear-capable forces. Kim has called for the building of a more reliable nuclear deterrent.
These developments occur even as President Donald Trump has touted his very positive relationship with Kim.