25 h. ago Why US strikes on Iran could tighten North Korea’s nuclear grip, rattling China

Last month’s US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities could strengthen North Korea’s view that nuclear weapons are vital for its survival, deepening Pyongyang’s distrust and reinforcing its commitment to nuclear arms, security experts have warned. They added that the attacks were likely to undermine denuclearisation efforts on the Korean peninsula, a goal shared by Beijing, and that increasing US pressure on North Korea risked destabilising the region and encouraging nuclear...

Events

53 h. ago American bombs in Iran also reverberate in China and North Korea

American bombs in Iran also reverberate in China and North Korea  WTOP

Events

3 d. ago Did South Korea’s Yoon order drones into Pyongyang to justify martial law?

A secret recording suggesting South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk-yeol may have ordered drone missions over Pyongyang in a bid to trigger a North Korean military response is now at the centre of the investigation into his December martial law debacle. Special prosecutors probing Yoon for insurrection and foreign aggression incitement believe the audio files could amount to a “smoking gun” – offering evidence he sought to manufacture a crisis to legitimise extending his presidency, observers...

Events

4 d. ago Nuclear talks ‘a trap’? North Korea doubts US intentions after Iran bombing

When the US bombed Iran’s nuclear sites last month, Washington may have inadvertently sent Pyongyang the clearest signal yet that relinquishing its nuclear arsenal could expose North Korea to the very attacks it aims to avoid. Political analysts say Washington’s hardline approach to Iran’s uranium enrichment has only cemented the North Korean leadership’s deep-seated conviction that nuclear weapons are the ultimate deterrent. Compounding this, as Pyongyang has forged closer strategic bonds with...

Events

8 d. ago Talks over threats: South Korea tries a new tack to sway its nuclear neighbour

On a day heavy with memory, South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung invoked the language of peace, urging restraint and dialogue even as the nuclear-armed North forges deeper ties with Russia and the Korean peninsula bristles with tension. “The surest way to secure our safety is to build peace – peace so strong that there is no need to fight,” Lee said in a solemn social media post, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the onset of the Korean war. The conflict from 1950–53 left millions dead and...

Events

9 d. ago Will the US strikes on Iran push China to ramp up its nuclear arms programme?

Instead of crushing Tehran’s nuclear programme, Israeli and US strikes on Iranian facilities in the past week might have dealt a blow to international nuclear non-proliferation efforts. Analysts warned that the attacks might not only encourage Iran to accelerate its nuclear weapon programme, but also prompt countries such as China and North Korea to expand their deterrence efforts. The pre-emptive strikes also risked setting a precedent for US adversaries to justify similar action against any...

Events

1 week ago North Korea’s first lady returns with a touch of Gucci glamour

North Korea’s secretive ruling family put on a rare display of domestic harmony this week, as First Lady Ri Sol-ju re-emerged in public after a 17-month absence, her return appearing to signal a carefully orchestrated bid to project an image of dynastic stability. Ri, carrying what appeared to be a Gucci handbag, was photographed alongside her husband, Kim Jong-un, and their daughter, Kim Ju-ae, at the opening of the long-delayed Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort – a showcase tourist zone on the...

Politics

1 week ago A Weakened Iran Poses an Alliance Test for China, Russia and North Korea

A Weakened Iran Poses an Alliance Test for China, Russia and North Korea  WSJ

Politics

1 week ago Could China and North Korea join Iran in attacking the US? Secretary of Defense blames Biden’s policies fo

Could China and North Korea join Iran in attacking the US? Secretary of Defense blames Biden’s policies fo  The Economic Times

Events

2 w. ago Texas governor signs bill banning Chinese citizens from buying property in state

A bill to restrict property ownership in Texas by Chinese citizens became law, more than two years after it was first introduced, setting up what could be a prolonged legal and political battle as critics plan to file a suit challenging its constitutionality. Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, announced on Saturday that he had signed the bill, which also targets nationals from Iran, North Korea and Russia, into law. Abbott expressed support for the bill in February, writing on social media that...

Economics

2 w. ago Survival strategy: how global conflicts harden North Korea’s nuclear resolve

As missiles fly in the Middle East and the world’s attention fixes on Israel vs Iran, the shock waves are being felt in Pyongyang – where North Korea’s leaders, ever watchful, see yet another reason to cling to their nuclear arsenal. While views differ on precisely how Pyongyang is reading the escalating conflict, observers are united on one point: if there is ever to be a chance of drawing North Korea back to the table for denuclearisation talks, the diplomatic door must remain ajar. Since...

Events

2 w. ago Hanoi hangover: why North Korea’s Kim snubs Trump for Russia’s embrace

North Korea’s growing alignment with Russia is giving Kim Jong-un new diplomatic and economic latitude, analysts say, allowing him to harden his stance and making renewed talks with Donald Trump even less likely amid lingering distrust from their failed summit during the US president’s first term. Trump has signalled fresh interest in direct engagement with North Korea, with the White House confirming last week that “the president remains receptive to correspondence with Kim Jong-un” following...

Politics

2 w. ago ‘Personal insult’: why North Korea’s Kim doesn’t want another Trump summit

North Korea’s growing alignment with Russia is giving Kim Jong-un new diplomatic and economic latitude, analysts say, allowing him to harden his stance and making renewed talks with Donald Trump even less likely amid lingering distrust from their failed summit during the US president’s first term. Trump has signalled fresh interest in direct engagement with North Korea, with the White House confirming last week that “the president remains receptive to correspondence with Kim Jong-un” following...

Politics

2 w. ago Fears of North Korean axis with China, Russia and Iran are ‘overstated’: Report

Fears of North Korean axis with China, Russia and Iran are ‘overstated’: Report  NK News

Politics

3 w. ago How Trump’s Military Parade Compares to China, Russia and North Korea

How Trump’s Military Parade Compares to China, Russia and North Korea  WSJ

Events

3 w. ago Is North Korea’s Kim shoring up navy in strategic bid with allies China, Russia?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to build a blue-water navy to counter what he described as growing threats from the United States, an ambition that observers say appears to be linked to broader strategic coordination with key Pyongyang allies China and Russia. Kim made the announcement during a launch ceremony at the northeastern port of Rajin for a newly repaired warship, following an earlier failed launch at the same location, state media reported on Friday. The vessel, “Kang Kon”,...

Politics

3 w. ago North Korea says damaged destroyer repaired, relaunched successfully

North Korea says damaged destroyer repaired, relaunched successfully  english.kyodonews.net

Events

3 w. ago South Korea’s president faces tough balancing act between allies, adversaries

Around six months after president Yoon Suk-yeol’s ousting, Liberal Party candidate Lee Jae-myung was elected as South Korea’s new president following a snap election on June 3. Lee’s victory marks a significant political shift, not just in domestic governance, but also in how South Korea may seek to navigate its ever-worsening relations with North Korea. In his inaugural address at the National Assembly, Lee stated his intention to deter military provocations from the North and also “open a...

Politics

4 w. ago North Korean spy drama in China may signal Beijing’s unease over growing Pyongyang

North Korean spy drama in China may signal Beijing’s unease over growing Pyongyang-Moscow ties  Yahoo

Events