The submarine could significantly escalate security concerns on the Korean peninsula and in the Taiwan Strait, experts say North Korea's construction of a nuclear-powered submarine could significantly escalate security concerns on the peninsula and in the Taiwan Strait,

North Korea has long vied for nuclear-powered submarines, which would allow it to fire missiles from underwater. Advanced detection of the weapons is difficult, making the country’s construction of the warships worrisome.

North Korea announced it is building its first nuclear-powered submarine, marking its latest effort to strengthen military leverage over the West after diplomatic relations between Washington D.C. and Pyongyang soured following a failed 2019 summit.