NK aims to deepen ties with China, Russia by criticizing nuclear projects of S. Korea, Japan: experts

North Korea appears to be attempting to strengthen its relationships with China and Russia by criticizing South Korea's nuclear submarine plans and Japan's potential shifts in policy, according to experts. The country's latest missile tests may also be a strategic move to bolster its own nuclear narrative, according to analysts.

It is believed that North Korea's actions are timed with the anticipated visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Seoul, which could occur as early as next week. A commentary published by North Korea's state-run news agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), on Wednesday, stated that Jang Kum-chol, the first vice minister of North Korea's foreign ministry, criticized South Korea's plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines in collaboration with the United States.

Jang remarked, "South Korea's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines in tandem with the U.S. will undoubtedly spark a nuclear chain reaction throughout the Asia-Pacific region." This criticism was issued three months after Seoul announced the Jang Bogo N Program in May, a project to develop approximately three 8,000-ton nuclear-powered submarines. Another KCNA piece, attributed to an international affairs commentator, was released on Wednesday.