#时事热点头条说#
North Korea held a launching ceremony for a newly built tactical nuclear attack submarine in Wonsan Port on September 7, 2023, and North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, attended and delivered a speech. This is the first time North Korea has publicly displayed its tactical nuclear attack submarines and is one of the key events in the 70th anniversary of the founding of the North Korean Navy.
In his speech, Kim Jong-un stressed the importance and urgency of the nuclear armament of the Navy, saying it was to defend national sovereignty and security in response to nuclear threats and sanctions from the United States and its allies. He also asked the submarine commanders and sailors to inherit the heroic spirit of the previous generation and create new myths.
Features and significance of tactical nuclear attack submarines
According to North Korean media reports, the newly built tactical nuclear attack submarine was designed and built under the direction of Kim Jong-un himself, and has the performance and technology of the "world's advanced level". The submarine can carry several ballistic missiles, has stealth capabilities and high speed, and can perform tasks underwater for a long time.
A tactical nuclear attack submarine is a submarine capable of launching submarine-launched missiles with a nuclear warhead, and unlike a strategic nuclear submarine, it is mainly used against ground targets, not for nuclear deterrence or counterattack against enemy countries. Tactical nuclear attack submarines could improve North Korea's nuclear strike capability and flexibility, increasing the difficulty and cost of defense for the United States and its allies.
The reaction and response of the United States and its allies
The United States and its allies have expressed grave concern and condemnation of North Korea's public display of tactical nuclear attack submarines as a provocation in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and a threat to regional peace and stability. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the United States and its allies and partners will continue to press North Korea to abandon all nuclear and missile programs and restart denuclearization talks.
The United States and its allies have also stepped up military surveillance and defense measures against North Korea, deploying more anti-missile systems and reconnaissance equipment, and increasing air and sea patrols. U.S. Navy Commander Richard Spencer said the U.S. Navy will work closely with allies such as Japan and South Korea to counter North Korea's maritime threats.
Outlook for the future
North Korea's public display of tactical nuclear attack submarines is an important step in its nuclear weapons development and a tough signal to show the outside world that it will not bow to outside pressure. North Korea is likely to continue with more nuclear and missile tests to improve the reliability and power of its nuclear weapons.
However, North Korea's nuclear weapons development also entails significant risks and costs for itself, including international sanctions and isolation, as well as nuclear security and environmental concerns. Whether North Korea can achieve its strategic goal of nuclear weapons will also depend on the attitude and actions of the United States and its allies, as well as its relations and dialogue with its neighbors.