North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to develop a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This move underscores his effort to advance the country’s weapons program as he prepares to arrive in Beijing for meetings with Chinese and Russian counterparts.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday (9/2/2025), Kim revealed the plan during a visit to a chemical research institute under North Korea’s missile agency on Monday, prior to his departure for China aboard a special train later that day.

During the visit, he was briefed on research progress involving carbon fiber composites, including test results confirming the reliability and accuracy of a large solid-fuel engine built with advanced materials.

KCNA further reported that Kim also discussed plans to establish a foundation for mass production of these key components.

This visit marks one of Kim’s most high-profile appearances to showcase North Korea’s advanced weapons development since last year’s launch of a solid-fuel ICBM.

Solid-fuel missiles can be stored and launched quickly without lengthy preparation, unlike liquid-fuel missiles. This makes them harder to detect or intercept, granting Pyongyang a strategic advantage against the United States and its allies.

The new solid-fuel engine, with a maximum thrust of 1,960 kilonewtons, is intended for the Hwasong-19 ICBM, while the next generation, Hwasong-20, is also under development.

Kim is expected to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday to attend China’s military parade. On Wednesday, he will appear alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

KCNA stated that Kim departed Pyongyang for Beijing on September 1, accompanied by senior officials, including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, and crossed into China on Tuesday.

This trip came shortly after Kim inspected a new missile plant on Sunday, signaling significant progress in the nation’s weapons capabilities.

The latest initiative highlights North Korea’s intensive drive to strengthen its arsenal despite United Nations (UN) sanctions, while also underscoring its role as a partner in an increasingly close alliance with Russia and China.