North Korea's Kim Jong Un Inspects New Missile Production Line

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a new missile production facility on Sunday, according to reports. The factory, likely in Jagang Province near China, has new automated systems to build missiles faster. Kim’s visit shows North Korea’s focus on boosting its military power, even with international sanctions in place.

During the tour, Kim checked out the factory’s high-tech setup and said it would help make more missiles for North Korea’s forces.

He tied the effort to goals set at a 2021 Workers’ Party meeting, where the country laid out plans to grow its weapons programs.

Kim also gave the green light to three long-term plans to ramp up missile production and approved a budget for defense, hinting at big moves to strengthen North Korea’s military.

• Kim Jong Un inspects new North Korean missile factory with automated production
• North Korea boosts weapons output as Kim visits missile plant ahead of China trip
• Kim Jong Un pushes missile expansion despite U.N. sanctions and global tensions

This visit comes right before Kim Jong Un heads to Beijing for a military parade with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The trip highlights how North Korea, China, and Russia are growing closer, which experts say is making U.N. sanctions less effective. Those sanctions were put in place to slow down North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, but support from allies seems to be helping the country push forward.

There’s also talk that North Korea has been sending soldiers, artillery, and missiles to Russia to support its war in Ukraine. Kim’s focus on automating missile production suggests he wants to make more weapons, possibly for use at home or to send abroad.

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The world is watching North Korea closely, especially since Kim has been vocal about his issues with the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, calling their teamwork “hostile propaganda.” As North Korea keeps building up its military, global leaders are struggling to enforce sanctions and keep tensions from boiling over. Kim’s latest moves show he’s not slowing down, leaving many worried about what’s next.