Tensions in the Sea of Japan are rising as North Korea expands its naval capabilities while Japan, the United States and South Korea conduct joint military exercises. According to Yahoo News Japan, Pyongyang commissioned its second new-generation destroyer, the Kang Gon, on September 6. The vessel is armed with long-range cruise missiles capable of striking both naval and land targets.
The destroyer was assigned to North Korea’s Eastern Fleet. Its commissioning ceremony in Wonsan coincided with the start of the Freedom Edge exercises, which involve six warships, including Aegis-equipped destroyers, along with patrol and combat aircraft.
The Kang Gon had previously been damaged during a failed launch but was later restored. During the summer, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw tests of the ship’s missile systems, artillery, anti-ship, anti-submarine and air-defense weapons.
At the ceremony, Kim described the Sea of Japan and nearby waters as the area posing the greatest threat to North Korea’s security. He criticized the military activity of Japan, the United States and South Korea and said Pyongyang would continue strengthening its naval forces.
Yahoo News Japan noted that tensions could rise further if North Korea begins conducting joint maneuvers with Russian and Chinese ships. In that scenario, forces from Japan, the United States and South Korea could find themselves directly facing Russia, China and North Korea in the Sea of Japan.