North Korea using Chinese machinery to make weapons at new factory, photos show

Chinese CNC machines of several brands, some clearly bearing the brand name Jianke, appeared in photos of Kim Jong-un inspecting a new weapons factory this week. | Image: KCNA (July 3, 2024), edited by NK Pro

North Korea's newest weapons factory appears to be using large Chinese machines to produce “state-of-the-art precision munitions,” further demonstrating Pyongyang's ability to evade sanctions targeting its arms industry.

More than a dozen Chinese-made computer numerical control (CNC) machines and a printed circuit board (PCB) quality inspection machine appeared in photos from the Korean Central News Agency released Wednesday, according to NK Pro analysis.

The photos show leader Kim Jong Un and other officials touring the new defense plant, which has been under rapid construction since early 2023 in Songgan county, Jagang province.

North Korea has acquired

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