North Korean leader inspects major naval base construction on east coast

North Korea's state news agency reported that leader Kim Jong Un inspected the construction of a naval base on the country's east coast.

According to the agency, Kim issued directives on the deployment of strategic assets and ordered the strengthening of leadership and construction capabilities to accelerate the building of the naval base and its associated port.

A separate report said Kim also visited more than 1,000 newly built housing units in Tongchon County, Kangwon Province, near the site of the large naval base. The agency did not specify whether this was the same base Kim inspected.

North Korea is intensifying efforts to modernize its naval fleet under Kim's leadership, with a growing focus on expanding "strategic assets" in key waters.

In September, Kim stated that new naval bases were being constructed on the east coast, adding that another "significant" maritime development would be unveiled within eight months.