North Korea on Saturday highlighted leader Kim Jong Un's inspection of regional development projects and progress in testing the weapons systems of its new destroyer Kang Kon, while stepping up propaganda emphasizing anti-U.S. sentiment and loyalty to the leadership ahead of Victory Day on July 27.

The ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on its front page that Kim inspected construction projects in Nakwon County, South Hamgyong Province, on July 3 as part of his regional development initiative.

According to the report, construction of the county's local industrial factories, hospital and comprehensive service center had reached 67.5%, 47% and 54% completion, respectively.

Kim said the construction units had made clear progress in professionalism and technical capabilities compared with a year earlier and called for Nakwon County to be transformed into "a livable community pioneering and leading a new era of civilization that reflects the characteristics of the coastal region."

Page 2 reported on combat systems performance tests for the new 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer Kang Kon.

The evaluation included launches of strategic cruise missiles, live-fire exercises using the ship's main gun and automatic cannons, and tests of electronic warfare systems.

Kim said North Korea must continue accelerating efforts to maintain and steadily strengthen "reliable war deterrence and war-fighting capabilities," while ordering the vessel to complete testing and enter naval service within two months.

Page 3 carried a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping responding to Kim's congratulatory message marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party.

Referring to his recent visit to Pyongyang, Xi said he is willing to guide relevant departments and regional authorities in both countries to implement the important consensus reached between the two leaders and promote the long-term, healthy and stable development of China-North Korea relations.

Page 4 focused on the activities of anti-Japanese revolutionary fighters during the Korean War, emphasizing loyalty to the supreme leader and strict execution of military orders.

In an article titled "A Soldier Carrying Out the Leader's Orders Is Always on the Front Line," the newspaper cited figures including Kang Kon, Ryu Kyong Su, Han Chang Bong, Kim Jeung, Ri Yong Ho and Choe Chun Guk, stating that the supreme commander's orders "must be carried out through victory" and that military commanders at every level should be prepared to sacrifice their lives to achieve that goal.

Page 5 highlighted increased production at the Sangwon Cement Complex following the second plenary meeting of the Ninth Central Committee of the Workers' Party.

The newspaper said individual production units are pursuing higher efficiency and engaging in socialist competition while urging workers to press ahead with "continuous innovation and successive leaps."

It also promoted productivity gains at the Sangwon Limestone Mine through new blasting methods and technological innovation.

Page 6 intensified anti-American rhetoric by accusing U.S. forces of committing massacres during the Korean War.

In an article titled "The Will to Destroy the Enemy Conquered Even Death," the newspaper cited residents of Kaepung and Sukchon counties, claiming that the suffering inflicted by the United States filled North Koreans with hatred toward America.

It concluded by calling on the public to remain prepared to "wipe out every last invader" should the United States launch another attack.

North Korea on Saturday highlighted leader Kim Jong Un's inspection of regional developmen …

North Korea highlights regional development, naval modernization as anti-U.S. messaging intensifies ahead of Victory Day [Daily NK]