Kim Jong Un Inspects Expanded Missile Production Ahead China, Russia Summit

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently inspected a newly inaugurated missile production line, confirming that North Korea has successfully fulfilled its five-year plan to boost missile production capacity. During the visit, Kim highlighted the modernization and automation of the missile assembly line, emphasizing the country’s enhanced combat readiness and strategic military capabilities. He also ratified three new long-term plans related to missile production capacity, signaling ongoing expansion efforts. This inspection took place just before Kim’s planned visit to Beijing, where he is expected to attend a major military parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at strengthening ties amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Experts suggest North Korea’s weapons development and possible arms exports could support Russia’s war efforts, while North Korea also criticized the U.S., Japan, and South Korea for their trilateral cybersecurity cooperation. The visit underscores North Korea’s intent to project deterrent power against Washington and Seoul and to assert its military advancements on a global stage.