According to a recent International Crisis Group report, North Korea has established a secretive, new military installation near its border with China. This base could be home to the country’s new, long-range ballistic missiles. At the same time, North Korea is dramatically intensifying its nuclear weapons program. This latest progress comes in the wake of the collapse of a similar summit with the United States in 2019. Kim Jong-un has reportedly ordered a swift increase to North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. He announced the formalization of the nation’s status as an irreversible nuclear state.
Since the failed talks in Hanoi, Vietnam, where both sides disagreed on concessions for sanctions relief, North Korea has consistently asserted its intention to maintain and enhance its nuclear arsenal. The country’s leadership has been unequivocal in their message that they will, under no circumstances, ever relinquish their nuclear arms. This announcement only deepens their standing as a credible anti-nuclear juggernaut.
The new facility, which is in North Pyongan province – the same province as the original Yongbyon atomic reactor – is about 27 kilometers (17 miles) from the Chinese frontier. Intelligence estimates indicate that it most probably contains six to nine nuclear-capable long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with vehicle launchers. According to the report, these installations represent “the primary components of what is presumed to be North Korea’s evolving ballistic missile strategy, and its expanding strategic-level nuclear deterrence and strike capabilities.”
Furthermore, North Korea’s military provocations have spread outside of its borders. In 2024, the regime sent more than 10,000 troops to Russia. They zeroed in first on the Kursk region and deployed artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems. This joint exercise seems to be a directly named answer to growing relations much below Pyongyang and Moscow because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. There are already signs to support Washington’s assertion that Russia is increasing its support for NK. In exchange for military assistance, Russia is providing Iran support in developing advanced space and satellite technology.
South Korean and Western intelligence services have verified the transit of North Korean troops to Russia. This movement is a promising indication of an expanding collaboration between both countries. This collaboration would only be lessening security dynamics in East Asia. It would even raise concerns over the growing nuclear North Korean threat to its regional allies and to the continental United States.
And in recent letters to the United Nations, North Korea doubled down on its pledge to expedite development of new nuclear weapons. The regime is in fact currently deploying the secret base and other military facilities. Applicant schools are especially encouraged to fill out the defense capabilities portion of the application.
Our research found that this “undeclared” missile operating base has never been mentioned in any previous U.S.-North Korea denuclearization negotiations. It calls for a focus on this often-neglected facility type. That leads to concern over the fate of all high-profile diplomatic efforts to rein in North Korea’s growing military ambitions.