Staff ReporterIt comes as North Korea launched another missile over Japan on Friday following it sixth nuclear test earlier this month.
An “informed source familiar with the North Korea situation” told Japanese newspaper Sekai Nippo that Kim Jong-un’s regime has been developing a secret nuclear submarine.
This would be a huge leap for North Korea’s navy which has a fleet of 50-60 diesel-electric powered submarines which are louder and therefore easier to detect.
Nuclear submarines are stealthier and armed with deadlier missiles and it is suspected that North Korea could be developing the submarine for this reason.
They also have a wider range because they can stay underwater for much longer without having to refuel.
The North Korean state news said in a press release on Monday: “The increased moves of the US and its vassal forces to impose sanctions and pressure on the DPRK will only increase our pace towards the ultimate completion of the state nuclear force.”
The news comes as President Trump urged the UN Security Council to crack down on North Korea as Kim Jong-un continues to build up his nuclear arsenal and carry out dangerous missile tests.
North Korea fired a missile over Japan last Friday and it travelled 2,299 miles meaning the US territory of Guam is now within its reach.
The hermit state launched the missile in retaliation against the recent UN sanctions imposed on North Korea after it ramped up its nuclear testing.
North Korea has warned more sanctions would only make it accelerate its controversial nuclear programme.
Nikki Haley, US ambassador to the UN, said: “We try and push through as many diplomatic options as we have.
“What we’re seeing is they continue to be provocative and reckless. There’s not a whole lot the Security Council is going to be able to do from here.”
A hydrogen bomb was detonated on September 3 in the regime’s most powerful nuclear test to date.
Nuclear submarines are quieter and harder to detect
And the rogue state’s weapon tests have put a strain on China and North Korea – two historical allies.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Friday: “China is not the focus
North Korea launched a missile over Japan
“China is not the driving force behind the escalating situation. And China is not the key to resolving the issue.”
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